Sara Free

Get Messy Thursdays :: Week 2

It's been a super adventurous and fun week with the Get Messy group. Each day we have added an element to a page layout. 

I decided to try two. I didn't go with my instincts when creating the first page. Day one was tear a page from a book. I wanted to use a page from a vintage Ladies Home Journal, but wasn't sure if it fit the criteria for day one. I let myself get bogged down in the details. Making two pages has been rewarding because it allowed me to try things with each element in two different ways. 

These have been the elements:

Monday - tear a page from a book

Tuesday - spread paint on 1/3 of the page

Wednesday - use a mist

Thursday - add a single stamp or a pattern

Friday - ?????

Page One

Page Two

One more day, what could it be? And will it be enough? I do feel like both pages could still use something. Words, a bit of focus some where. I guess we shall see and I am ready to accept the finished product when it is all done. I hope we get to do this again, it's been a different approach and forces me to take it day by day. Stay tuned for the finished product! 

FINISNED PAGES:

Experience 38: That's a Wrap

I did not execute my list as I had hoped to do. Here is a list filled with at least 38 wonderful things I did (one I'm still doing, i.e. children's book reviews) in my 38th year of life. I would have been happy to leave off gallbladder surgery, but I was in good hands and that worked out.

Tomorrow I will be 39, I have commanded myself to finish writing this list. 

I have discovered sometimes arriving at the end of a project is not always what is envisioned when it begins. For me, at this point, I want to learn to finish things, even if it's only half assed at this point. I want closure with this project, so I can move on and determine what projects I want to work on when I'm 39. 

This is what I will look back and remember happened when I was 38 years old:

Experience 38 - A Reverse To Do List

1. Eat at Food Trucks
2. Take A Calligraphy Class
3. Read 50 Children's Books (In Progress)
4. Pick Blueberries
5. Get to Storytime
6. Visit Museum(s)
7. Cross stitched some (art journal pages)
8. Visited a thrift store (Goodwill)
9. Painted with acrylics (art with the kids and art journal)
10. Floated a lazy river (vacation in August)
11. Ran a half marathon (Rhythm and Blues Half Marathon 2/15/15)
12. Took a family picture
13. Framed some pictures
14. Cooked dinner for friends (bonus played Cards Against Humanity)
15. Got in Nature (Houston Arboretum)
16. Tried new Restaurants (Paulies and Provisions)
17. Learned CPR at work
18. Watched some good TV shows (The Blacklist, Outlander, Agent Carter, Game of Thrones, Marvel Agents of Shield, Pretty Little Liars)
19. Read books (Outlander and Big Little Lies)
20. Ran with my kid (Color Run)
21. Rode the metro and had a walking adventure
22. Acquired proper rain gear (finally!)
23. Went on date nights to restaurants and a museum
24. Played with markers and words
25. Hiked in the hill country 
26. Ate sushi
27. Read to my children
28. Ran on the Austin boardwalk
29. Deferred the Chicago marathon : (
30. Had gallbladder surgery
31. Found an awesome chiropractor
32. Listened to podcasts (Serial and the Accidental Creative are my faves)
33. Hosted a bridal shower
34. Attended two beautiful weddings
35. Joined an art journal group.
36. Engaged in a Whole 30. 
37. Joined a volleyball team
38. Finished this list (writing it out and living it)

I may one day attempt this project proper. It is a project I could come back to and finish in a nifty little book. I started the book...ahem...ah well, getting sick this past year was not part of my plans. Alas, I dealt with it and now believe I am on the mend. 

Good bye 38! The years seem to be rushing by too fast. Will there be a project for 39? I'm hoping so. I'm going to keep it simple (if that's possible), but it will be one thing instead of keeping track of several small events. Maybe that will help.

Image via Pinterest

Experience 38: Write Poetry

I’ve written poetry on and off since I was a kid. December I set a goal to write a few poems each day, at least one on days when life had other plans. It was refreshing and liberating to play with words again. It’s been a while since I’ve done that.

    I picked up Poemcrazy from my bookshelf, which a friend gave to me a long time ago, and I never gave it back. (Thanks friend!) I am slowly working my way through it and using some of the exercises in it. My hope is to be more deligient in practicing the exercises. They offer unique creative word play and exploration.

My lovely husband gave me Mary Oliver's A Poetry Handbook for Chanukah. I have yet to read it, but it will be read. I love Mary Oliver's poetry. At a glance, this book appears to focus more on poem structure. I welcome both ends of the spectrum, and I am sure A Poetry Handbook will reveal more once I actually read it. 

The current state of my poetry collection

I organized my poetry books into one area, and discovered my collection is pretty descent. It couldn't hurt to learn about more poets. I

New poetry book for me this year:  Chava Rosenfarb - Exile At Last: Selected Poems (Essential Poets Series)

My plan is to get those December poems typed up. I want to keep up a poetry practice, maybe it can be a quarterly thing. That means up next is a spring addition.

A December Sampling: 

On a day filled with other activities:

I am always going to be a little poem crazy. It is those few playful words that I remember most. I will keep experiencing poetry, and hope my ability to practice it only increases.

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This is my birthday project - Experience 38, a reverse to do list. Watch the experience list grow. 

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Experience 38: Visit Museum(s)

As As I emerge out of toddlerhood and into big kid landia, I am finding we can visit other museums beyond the Children's Museum. I would visit more museums with more time and planning on my part. I am grateful we have a few artists in our family who create work that we can go visit or who have access to more professional supplies. I am also grateful we are in a large city where art can exist at a grand level as well as a smaller, experimental level. Both are valuable. Art and creativity are important to experience and explore. I made sure to get myself to a museum, kids in tow or on a lunch date. 

Station Museum of Contempary Art

Exhibit: Collective Reaction: FotoFest 2014

Kyle and I were able to visit the Collective Reaction exhibit on a lunch date. We had the whole museum to explore at our own pace. It was an interactive experience with videos to watch, headphones to listen to, and a certain noise level repeating itself as we walked around. 

I was challenged by what I saw, trying to understand what messages were being conveyed. An installment that showed a bombing in Baghdad that looked similar to a Fouth of July fireworks show in America, gave pause to the two different emotions that might play out in these two very different events. The collection was diverse and gave perspective to both foreign issues and modern shifts in how information is dispersed. 

I'm glad we were able to experience a smaller musuem and consider some modern issues expressed artistically. 

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Museum of Fine Arts Houston

Exbibit: Soto - The Houston Penetrable

My kids want to touch things in a museum. I was happy to see that the Museum of Fine Arts had an exhibit that was so cool we could touch and walk through it. 

Soto's Penetrable exhibit was grand. There were times I lost the children in the plastic strands. Of course they wanted to bunch them all up and test how much weight the strands could hold. We were swiftly told not to do that by the docents. 

This one was too neat to pass up. Even though we can only do the Fine Arts musuem in short, quick visits - this was a fun experience for all ages. 

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Encylopedia Article for Museum: institution dedicated to preserving and interpreting the primary tangible evidence of humankind and the environment.

My Article: I want museums to make me think, feel, and see the world from more than one angle. I think of them as playground for my mind. The kids still think of them as playgrounds. I'm sure there's a place for both. 

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This is my birthday project - Experience 38, a reverse to do list. Watch the experience list grow.

Experience 38: Get to Storytime

(Remember that little birthday project I've been neglecting? Yay, well, I'm getting back on track with that. Another year around the sun is coming up for me!)

We've found a great storytime hour at one of the many library in our city. Thankfully, a friend told us about this particular library, or we might have done something else with our time. 

5 Reasons Why This Storytime Works for Us:

1. Fun rhymes and songs - They songs are lively and engaging and the girls enjoy them. When they continue singing them after storytime, that's a thumbs up. Icky-sticy bubble gum anyone?

2. Super cute crafts - The crafts are awesome. The librarian has the matierals prepped so that just the right amount of adult help is needed. We've made a cute bookworm and little pumpkin hats (see below). I'm probably more excited about the crafts than the girls. 

3. Good books and themes - There is a good balance of classic books and books that aren't as well know. I've learned a few new titles. The library also works with local organizations like the Children's Muesum and the Opera to plan special storytimes. 

4. Their Time - I find we need to find time balance on the girls days off from preschool. I want to make sure I focus on them and share in the joy of reading with them. Storytime gives us one hour to focus on books and being together. It's a one of my favorite ways to spend time with them. 

5. The Giant Puppy! - Who can resist a giant stuffed puppy? Not my girls. The giant puppy is all part of the storytime fun. 

I'm so happy we found a storytime that works for us. Libraries have so many wonderful resouces available to the public.

I believe in libraries!

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This is my birthday project - Experience 38, a reverse to do list. Watch the experience list grow.

Troll Swap by Leigh Hodgkinson

Book Title: Troll Swap

Author: Leigh Hodgkinson

Recommended Age: 3-7 years old

Themes: Being Yourself, Opposites (loud/quiet, clean/messy)

Summary:

In Troll Swap, Timothy Limpet and Tabitha Lampit are very different from the families that live amongst. Timothy is a neat and tidy in a world filled with belching, burping trolls. Tabitha is loud and brash in a world that would prefer her to be neat and tidy. Swapping with each other seems to be just the right solution to their woes. It is, for a while. Being easily accepted for who you are can be so BORING! These two characters reconsider their swap and find their way back to where they belong, even if they don't always fit in. 

My Thoughts: 

This book was humorous and silly. Thumbs up for that! I liked the side banter between the characters. The book was filled with color, fun, and a nice message about being who you are even if it's not the norm. 

Books Alive:

Discuss and role-play opposites that can be found in the book. 

• Loud and Quiet - this book has clear visuals about when a character is being loud or quiet. Children can practice talking very loudly and then talking very quietly. They could role-play the two main characters in the story and discuss how they are different. 

Favorite:

I liked the conversation bubbles in this story. There are some great one liners. 

Other books by this author:

Goldilocks and Just One Bear

Smile!

Overall Rating:

*****

I appreciated this book for its fun - fun pictures, fun story. It was an enjoyable, happy book, even when things weren't always so happy. This one might be a good to show up a book gift exchange.

My Rating System:

*****Read this book! Many great uses - Own this book! Give it for a present! Use it as a teaching resource!

****Great book! I could see it being a favorite in our house.

***Enjoyed it, but would probably check it out from the library.

**It was OK, but I probably won't read it very much.

*One time was good enough, I wouldn't recommend it.

 

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Check out my other Children's book reads by clicking below:

Starring Me and You by Genevieve Cote

Book Title: Starring Me and You (Piggy and Bunny)

Author: Genevieve Cote

Recommended Age: 2 and up

Themes: Friendship, Conflict, Feelings, Working Together, Accepting Differences

Summary:

Bunny and Piggy have different ways they present themselves on stage. Both are shy but handle the situation in their own unique manner. The main characters playfully discuss their approach, until it reaches a crescendo of emotions that could break them apart. Bunny and Piggy learn to work it out and respect each others differences. 

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed the playful banter in Starring Me and You. The illustrations depict the emotions and action nicely. Children will be able to inspect the faces and identify the feelings the characters are expressing. This book would be a nice introduction for how people handle situations in different ways and that it's ok to respect those differences.

Books Alive:

Recipe for Respect - grab a mixing bowl and discuss with children the types of things needed to show respect towards other people. Have pictures of ears (listening to friends), eyes (seeing and trying to understand a friend), and helping hands (how can I help my friends). Add these ingredients to the mixing bowl and stir it up. Then ask children, what would you add to our recipe for respecting our friends?

Respect for Each Other - Show children examples of kids needing help. Example: A child has dropped his books. Then ask children how they could help someone if they are in that type of situation.

Favorite:

This simple message - 

 

Other Books by this Author:

Me and You

Goodnight, You (Piggy and Bunny)

Overall Rating:

****

This was my first Bunny and Piggy book, and I hope to read more. The overall message this book delivers to children is grand. Some great discussions could occur with younger children (2-5) on how they handle themselves with their friends and siblings. 

My Rating System:

*****Read this book! Many great uses - Own this book! Give it for a present! Use it as a teaching resource!

****Great book! I could see it being a favorite in our house.

***Enjoyed it, but would probably check it out from the library.

**It was OK, but I probably won't read it very much.

*One time was good enough, I wouldn't recommend it.

 

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Numeralia by Jorge Lujan

Book title: Numeralia

Author/Illustrator: Jorge Lujan (Author), Isol (Illustrator)

Recommended Age: 3-up

Themes: Poetry, Imagination, Numbers

Summary:

Numeralia is a poetry book written to the tune of ten. In this tune, the numbers are hidden in the illustrations. The reader must examine the pictures carefully to find the numbers. The poetry is playful, the illustrations are intriguing. Children may be happy to hear familiar characters such as Snow White as the story is read to them. It may take a some imagination to grasp this book. 

My thoughts:

I enjoyed the poetic aspect of the book. The title led me to have other expections for this story. I thought maybe it would be a new take on counting. It was not. While it may not have been my favorite book set to poetry, it could be an interesting way for children to think about other objects creating number shapes. 

Books Alive (Pinterest Edition)

These activities would be helpful for kids to get playful with numbers:

• Making Soft Pretzel Letters and Numbers - Edible numbers sound like a lot of fun. 
• Let's Go On a Counting Walk - This idea could also be used to go on a number shape search walk. What things look like a one, two, etc? Then the kids could make their own book about number shapes with photos from the walk. 
• Number Sort - Have children identify numbers. For a twist, add other shapes (pictures, objects) that are the number as well. 

Favorite:

I was drawn to the fun peacock on the cover. I also enjoyed the color palette the author used for the pictures.

Other books by this author:

Colors! ¡Colores! (English and Spanish Edition)

Moví la mano / I Moved My Hand (Releases October 2014)

Overall Rating:

***

I'll be honest, I didn't get the book on the first read. When I read through it more slowly and deliberately, then I started to understand it better. It was decent, but left me wanting a little more. Not exactly sure what I wanted a little more of, just a little more. 

My Rating System:

*****Read this book! Many great uses - Own this book! Give it for a present! Use it as a teaching resource!

****Great book! I could see it being a favorite in our house.

***Enjoyed it, but would probably check it out from the library.

**It was OK, but I probably won't read it very much.

*One time was good enough, I wouldn't recommend it.

 

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Fall by Aaron Carr

Book: Fall (Science Kids Seasons)

Author: Aaron Carr

Recommended Age: Preschool-Grade 1

Themes: Fall, Seasons

Summary:

"Fall is about changes," summarizes Science Kids Seasons Fall book. Fall is filled with colorful photographs depicting the season. This nonfiction book will engage young children with animals and eye-catching photographs, while older children will be able to practice higher level reading skills such as using a table of contents. Online content is also available for children to delve further into this subject matter. Fall is a well rounded introduction to this occurence in nature. 

My Thoughts:

I found Fall to be an engaging nonfiction book that gives perspective on the season. Often, I feel like other fall books focus on the physical changes that trees undergo. Fall provides examples of animal behaviors when the season is upon them. Children in my library would certainly learn about fall even though its presence in Texas is questionable. 

Books Alive (Pinterest Activity Ideas):

Animals stood out for me when reading this book. I would try to focus on animal behaviors with the children using these Pinterest pins to create animals for dramatic play. But I threw in a leaf one because it was just super cute!

• Leaf Peepers - Leaves with goggly eyes, I have some kids in my house that love anything with googly eyes. 
• Leaf Turtle - A turtle made with a leaf combines using leaves and animals. What does a turtle do during the fall?
• Building Fall Creatures - Using found objects in nature, children can create more animals with different materials. I like that this one is open ended for the kids. 

Favorite:

Again, thinking about what the animals do during the fall was my favorite. I liked see the bunnies and whales. It gives kids a broader spectrum of animals habits by introducing land and sea animals. Here's an example of the colorful pages to be found:

Other books by this author:

Cougars (Animals in My Backyard)

Overall rating:

*****

Fall would be a great resource for my library. It would open the discussion to talking about animal behaviors when the weather changes. I could also practice different reading skills sets with different reading levels. 

My Rating System:

*****Read this book! Many great uses - Own this book! Give it for a present! Use it as a teaching resource!

****Great book! I could see it being a favorite in our house.

***Enjoyed it, but would probably check it out from the library.

**It was OK, but I probably won't read it very much.

*One time was good enough, I wouldn't recommend it.

 

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Eric the Boy Who Lost His Gravity by Jenni Desmond

Book Title: Eric The Boy Who Lost His Gravity

Author: Jenni Desmond

Recommended Age: 5-8 years, (I would include 4 year olds as well)

Themes: Feelings, Dealing with Anger 

 

Summary:

Emotions can be difficult to handle when your a kid. Eric struggles through many tough situations with his sister one rainy day. He is so overwhelmed with his anger that he loses his gravity and floats out of his house. It's only when he finds happiness that he regains his gravity. Learning this life lesson allows Eric to help his sister find her own peace. 

 

My Thoughts:

I thought the message in this book made sense. Sometimes anger can take over a person. It can be difficult to find one's way out of this emotion, but it is good to find those things in life that can lead one back to "gravity" and finding happiness. I was a little surprised at the low reviews on Amazon. I think this book would be a great conversation starter when talking about anger with younger children.  

 

Books Alive (Activity Ideas):

Children could discuss things that make them angry and happy. They can draw a picture for each emotion. They then glue the two pictures to a popsicle stick and flip between the two feelings. 

 

Favorite:

The illustrations in this book were simple. I liked how the emotions can be clearly seen on the main characters faces. 

 

Other books by this author:

Red Cat, Blue Cat

 

Overall Rating:

***

I would check this out from the library to use in a preschool discussion about feelings. I think the older preschool children (4-5) would be able to benefit from seeing how emotions can escalate and how important it is to find one's way back to gravity. 

 

My Rating System:

*****Read this book! Many great uses - Own this book! Give it for a present! Use it as a teaching resource!

****Great book! I could see it being a favorite in our house.

***Enjoyed it, but would probably check it out from the library.

**It was OK, but I probably won't read it very much.

*One time was good enough, I wouldn't recommend it.

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Check out my other Children's book reads by clicking below: