Aug. 8 - Day 8 of August Break

August 8 - Day 8 of the August Break.

What I love:

Handmade gifts!

The flower pot was created by a sweet little girl in my class this year. the plant went in the garden and I love that I can use her pot for pens and such close by on my table!

The birdhouse was created by a friend several years ago.

Who I am:

I am of Norwegian descent on my Mother's side. She was the only one of her family not born in Norway. The flag is of Norway and the spoon and fork set was created by my Mom's sister. It is rosemaling - a folkart of Norway.

Day 5 - August 5 Daily Break

It is Day 5 of the August Break:

What I love:

I collect hearts. I have numerous heart boxes where I keep my jewellery and I use hearts often in my art.

Who I Am:

I love my home and family life - my husband of 8 years, my 3 children, my stepchildren and their children, and my extended family. Home is definitely where the heart is.

Day 3 - Photo a Day

A simple self-portrait - the backdrop is one of my favourite pieces of artwork, made of handmade paper, with me doing what I love to do - taking photos!

I love reading and for me, reading is my refuge and has been throughout my life. In school, my goal every year is to ensure that children love reading and love to read. I can'timagine a life without reading. My library overflows everywhere in my home!

This pile is a few of the books I have read recently or am reading:

Have read and loved:

Teach Like Your Hair's On Fire by Rafe Esquith (I will be rereading parts this summer - lots of inspiration for a teacher!)

The Necklace by Cheryl Jarvis (Loved the idea of 13 women sharing a necklace and how it impacted their lives)

The Nine Lives of Charlotte Taylor by Sally Armstrong (just finished - a very powerful historical/biography of an early Canadian pioneer)

One Simple Act by Debbie Macomber (Looks at how generosity can change your life)

I am reading now:

Child of Dandelions by Shenaaz Nanji (the life of a child effected by war - I teach at a very multicultural school and I try to read about children in other lands)

You Could Live a Long Time: Are You Ready? by Lyndsay Green (I saw an interview with her and was struck by her take on retirement. A very interesting read!)

Burden of Desire by Robert MacNeil (Have only just started - another historical book of the Maritimes, this time of the Haliax harbour ship explosion)

Waiting close in the wings:

206 Bones by Kathy Reichs

Women Food and God by Geneen Roth

Little Bee by Chris Cleave

(Plus another hundred or so books I want to read sometime! lol)

Aug. 2 - Photo and Intention

Day 2 of Daily photo for August:

What I love:

I usually have a cup of tea and a toasted English muffin with jam for breakfast. YUM!

(If you notice the mug -it is from Tim Horton's, a gift from a student . I do love stopping at Timmy's, especially for a tea and blueberry muffin! No coffee for this girl!)

Another self-portrait shot - my foot! I really don't like toes and don't like having mine touched! But I love wearing bright nail polish on my toes - have since my teens.

Intention:

Andrea of ABC Creativity has started something new this week - setting an intention for the week. I have decided to join in. Here is my post to her post:

I am really good at making to-do lists and checking off most of the items.
But the idea of setting an intention for the week opens up so much possibility. You are not restricted to just completing a list of things. Rather you are open to achieving much more!
My intention for the week (for August really!) is to be in the moment, to see with open eyes. Secondly, it is to create!

Staycation Week at Kim's:

Kim has an exciting week planned for her Inspiration Staycation . Day 1 she asks us to share a bit about ourselves/our blog, some of our favourite posts, and a few of the favourite blogs we visit.

I did share a bit through the journal interview for "30 Journals 30 Days". Check it out here. I listed a number of great places I love to visit. Be sure to check out my side bar for others as well.

Here are a few of my favourite posts:

1. ABCs of Art – C is for Colour
I had fun creating a piece of art based on an artist and the whole idea of going through the alphabet looking at art has been fun. I am continuing but in a different way.

2. Dream

3. Words to Inspire Me
I had forgotten about this post and artwork! I need to revisit this and apply them regularly!

Lots going on for August! Have a wonderful week!