tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51763689859494987972024-03-13T11:44:55.845-07:00the given lifeLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785767772171855400noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176368985949498797.post-13299326742608561122014-09-17T20:16:00.000-07:002014-09-17T20:16:07.270-07:00New thoughts about the given life . . .<br />
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I'm trying to see. Really see. The beauty all around me (and you) all the time. Something about being able to conceive of how one might communicate a view in paint or pencil gives me insight to beauty, simplifies it to its essence, makes me stop and really see.<br />
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Some vistas are puzzles to me. A riddle that I don't yet know the answer to. I haven't discovered the hidden beauty in its jumbled, mid-day, blare. Yet.<br />
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But more and more the world is opening up to me. I see the shocking loveliness of light on a warehouse, shadow in the branches. And I am seeking. Always searching the world for the beautiful secrets in its profusion.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nWTSV8cex3o/VBpNz6ZHnzI/AAAAAAAADBI/z1kd4p-pDfA/s1600/IMG_9820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nWTSV8cex3o/VBpNz6ZHnzI/AAAAAAAADBI/z1kd4p-pDfA/s1600/IMG_9820.JPG" height="634" width="640" /></a></div>
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What kindness! That God would give these heart-stopping moments of seeing what he has made. Although it be bleared, smeared, full of anguish and struggle . . . well, Gerard Manley Hopkins says it better than I.<br />
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God's Grandeur</div>
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<tr><td>T<span>HE WORLD</span> is charged with the grandeur of God.</td><td><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="1"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td> It will flame out, like shining from shook foil;</td><td><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="2"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td> It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil</td><td><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="3"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td>Crushed. Why do men then now not reck his rod?</td><td><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="4"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td>Generations have trod, have trod, have trod;</td><td align="RIGHT" valign="TOP"><span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="5"><i> 5</i></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td> And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil;</td><td><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="6"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td> And wears man’s smudge and shares man’s smell: the soil</td><td><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="7"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td>Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod.</td><td><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="8"></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td>And for all this, nature is never spent;</td><td><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="9"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td> There lives the dearest freshness deep down things;</td><td align="RIGHT" valign="TOP"><span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="10"><i> 10</i></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td>And though the last lights off the black West went</td><td><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="11"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td> Oh, morning, at the brown brink eastward, springs—</td><td><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="12"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td>Because the Holy Ghost over the bent</td><td><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="13"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td style="background-color: white; color: #000020;"> World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings.</td></tr>
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A new way to think about the given life.</div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785767772171855400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176368985949498797.post-1482523181604918512013-10-28T13:32:00.000-07:002013-10-28T13:32:53.375-07:00Echoes of Creation {thoughts on the purposes of painting}As I make decisions about my life, my activities, and my goals, I tend to think about the big, overwhelming questions: why? to what end? for what purpose? It can tend to make me a bit of a minimalist, needing good justifications for the things that fill up my life. So, as I've been giving new time and effort to making marks in oil paint on bits of board and canvas I've also been wondering about the purpose of painting, and of art in general.<br />
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At the very least, it seems to me that there is a two-fold goodness to
creating excellent paintings. The act of creating is good in itself and
the act of contemplating the world through an artist's eyes is also very
good. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TjGbSchESi4/Um7H3YsCSzI/AAAAAAAACMI/ntbBbQ1cG98/s1600/IMG_7232.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TjGbSchESi4/Um7H3YsCSzI/AAAAAAAACMI/ntbBbQ1cG98/s640/IMG_7232.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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For me, the process of painting involves the thought and learning, the logical building blocks of value, structure, perspective, color and composition, AND the emotional, physical, soulful responsiveness to a moment, a place, a shadow cast in just a certain way. And it results in a growing ability to know the world that God has made. As my technical skill (hopefully) improves, my sensitivity to the world and my ability to communicate these moments should improve as well. So far so good!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-otr_u-guijY/Um7HjKzTOhI/AAAAAAAACMA/_kV9XbjSN7w/s1600/IMG_7221.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-otr_u-guijY/Um7HjKzTOhI/AAAAAAAACMA/_kV9XbjSN7w/s640/IMG_7221.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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When a painting strikes you and causes you to stop and look and feel, it
has changed you and provided a moment of reflection and respite. As you sit on the couch, step through the door, or walk down the hall, a painting can suddenly arrest you with the loneliness of a windswept hillside, the sweetness of sun-ripened fruit, or the subtlety of two colors mingling and separating.<br />
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The distinctly unique mark of the artist reminds the viewer that this object was created, this thing depicted was felt and known and re-made by a person. The painting is a communication and every brushstroke and color choice speaks of making. In it one might hear the echoes of the greater creation and the ultimate Creator and one might experience how good it is for the human soul to slow down and feel and know the world and its maker. Pretty good stuff.<br />
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So that's some of why I paint and why I want to improve and why it is good to appreciate good art. Whew, now I need a nap.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785767772171855400noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176368985949498797.post-35600863695033099122013-09-23T17:01:00.000-07:002013-09-23T17:01:15.774-07:00Latest Paintings {Pears and Pilgrimage}I usually produce a couple of paintings a week, hoping the old adage, "practice makes perfect" (or better?), will produce some evidence in my work. In the last few days I've done two paintings, this group of pears and the landscape below.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WLSud3PmMRQ/UkDP_gescqI/AAAAAAAACKQ/F3FR-3IKljM/s1600/IMG_7151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WLSud3PmMRQ/UkDP_gescqI/AAAAAAAACKQ/F3FR-3IKljM/s640/IMG_7151.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I painted the pears in watercolor, outside. Outdoor painting is particularly challenging because the light is constantly changing. I'm working on blocking in
the shadows quickly so that I'm not chasing the sun as I paint. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Whz7RcN_zf0/UkDP2-6MVVI/AAAAAAAACKI/RHvlkR-2TkM/s1600/IMG_7154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Whz7RcN_zf0/UkDP2-6MVVI/AAAAAAAACKI/RHvlkR-2TkM/s640/IMG_7154.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
The landscape below is based on a photo I took years ago while hiking in France. It's a view of the little mountain village, Saint Savior, from the GR5 hiking trail in the Alps. In this one I'm working on creating an interesting design that repeatedly leads the eye back into the painting. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--uwhoE5r0Lw/UkDQcJmwkdI/AAAAAAAACKY/Vezg4Y6vAW8/s1600/IMG_7155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--uwhoE5r0Lw/UkDQcJmwkdI/AAAAAAAACKY/Vezg4Y6vAW8/s640/IMG_7155.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I've toned the canvas with a wash of cadmium yellow deep and rose madder. The design is sketched in with raw umber. You can see my pencil drawing on the left where I worked out some of the composition problems and value structures. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ktLGdw49fM/UkDQgUeYhfI/AAAAAAAACKk/lTaKehJL0vI/s1600/IMG_7158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ktLGdw49fM/UkDQgUeYhfI/AAAAAAAACKk/lTaKehJL0vI/s640/IMG_7158.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's the painting half finished. On the right is the old washed out photo (before digital!). I prefer to work from mediocre, washed out, or overcast photos for painting. I think it keeps me from trying to copy and forces me to use what I know about light and color rather than relying on the inadequate information provided by the photo. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l9aqaCeV-wU/UkDQfXEBd4I/AAAAAAAACKg/_VKaOJWXIQc/s1600/IMG_7161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l9aqaCeV-wU/UkDQfXEBd4I/AAAAAAAACKg/_VKaOJWXIQc/s640/IMG_7161.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And here's the finished painting. It's big!--30x34, painted in oil.</div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785767772171855400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176368985949498797.post-39108707180155413792013-08-09T15:53:00.001-07:002013-08-09T15:54:27.515-07:00Working Studio {or, where I've been this summer}<div style="text-align: center;">
After a long and winding road finishing this space and a quick summer </div>
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attempting to recover from that project, the studio is finally in working order and I am using it daily. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_C3l93waxg/UgVrZj_smFI/AAAAAAAACIA/p12TPbA9OZM/s1600/IMG_6944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_C3l93waxg/UgVrZj_smFI/AAAAAAAACIA/p12TPbA9OZM/s640/IMG_6944.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I didn't get any pictures of the beautiful butcher block counter, farm sink, and custom designed laundry area, but I will post those when I take them. Thank you so much for all you did to make this a beautiful and functional space, Mom and Alan!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pFuoWFStSDk/UgVrsmZUsUI/AAAAAAAACIQ/A4AE3sekTfM/s1600/IMG_6945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pFuoWFStSDk/UgVrsmZUsUI/AAAAAAAACIQ/A4AE3sekTfM/s640/IMG_6945.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've been studying and drawing and painting (and teaching) this summer. And I'm keeping up with the laundry better too! I am so grateful for this place to work and to those who have encouraged me </div>
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in these efforts, most notably my dear husband, Scott.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-95LX84T04fw/UgVrgSGiRGI/AAAAAAAACII/3JWBqCRkygU/s1600/IMG_6948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-95LX84T04fw/UgVrgSGiRGI/AAAAAAAACII/3JWBqCRkygU/s640/IMG_6948.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here are a few of my most recent paintings. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bFs7VGO8iks/UgVsHIjxv5I/AAAAAAAACIg/auU4ZPUhSUg/s1600/IMG_6955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="518" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bFs7VGO8iks/UgVsHIjxv5I/AAAAAAAACIg/auU4ZPUhSUg/s640/IMG_6955.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Trees in Shadow, 16 x 20, oil on stretched canvas </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5VqyH3CX72k/UgVsKmdAGVI/AAAAAAAACIo/MOVAYmbfOmg/s1600/IMG_6958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5VqyH3CX72k/UgVsKmdAGVI/AAAAAAAACIo/MOVAYmbfOmg/s640/IMG_6958.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Fallen Branch, 8 x 10, oil on linen board</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0X9ZAw-NHOQ/UgVsBtYS3kI/AAAAAAAACIY/0VxPjN9ip3I/s1600/IMG_6961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0X9ZAw-NHOQ/UgVsBtYS3kI/AAAAAAAACIY/0VxPjN9ip3I/s640/IMG_6961.JPG" width="454" /></a></div>
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Afternoon on the Trail, 5 x 7, oil on linen board</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1c3e8eVkBFA/UgVsX_1Hy8I/AAAAAAAACIw/GYEGMvb_NQc/s1600/IMG_6966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1c3e8eVkBFA/UgVsX_1Hy8I/AAAAAAAACIw/GYEGMvb_NQc/s640/IMG_6966.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Trees in Meadow, 9 x 11, oil on canvas board</div>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785767772171855400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176368985949498797.post-28598190635282775792013-04-28T23:29:00.000-07:002013-04-28T23:29:37.167-07:00Studio Sneak Peek<div style="text-align: center;">
This weekend Scott's mom and stepdad came to visit and to work </div>
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on a little project about which I am super-excited. We are converting our detached garage </div>
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into an art studio and Alan is generously doing much of the labor to make my dream studio a reality.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGc676M74jg/UX4NWDh5ECI/AAAAAAAACGY/nSU1aaF5d0E/s1600/IMG_6665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGc676M74jg/UX4NWDh5ECI/AAAAAAAACGY/nSU1aaF5d0E/s400/IMG_6665.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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This weekend he framed the ceiling and partition wall (to divide the studio side of the garage </div>
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from the storage side), cut and installed a window, and added a door. </div>
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{Thank you, Alan!}</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6fYRoeBwBqs/UX4M9eobVdI/AAAAAAAACGQ/2Wv-jz8ET3s/s1600/IMG_6667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6fYRoeBwBqs/UX4M9eobVdI/AAAAAAAACGQ/2Wv-jz8ET3s/s400/IMG_6667.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Over the next month or so we'll be finishing up the electrical work, sheetrock, floor, counter and trim. We plan to install an Ikea counter and sink, epoxy the concrete floor, and I have all kinds of dreams about storage and functional design. Follow my "dream studio" board on Pinterest (see the sidebar) if you want a glimpse </div>
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of that obsession.</div>
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The room is taking shape and I can't wait to start using it!</div>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785767772171855400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176368985949498797.post-91186680916418736382013-04-01T23:19:00.000-07:002013-04-16T09:50:09.881-07:00Making Art {an admission}I'm doing it. I'm trying.<br />
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Do you know how hard it is for me to admit that I'm trying? The potential for failure lurks on the other side of trying. It's easy not to try. It's a little scary to try. I'm trying to make art. I'm starting to think of myself as an artist.<br />
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I've never felt comfortable calling myself an artist. It seemed to assert too much, make too bold a claim about myself and what I make. But my kids call me an artist. They tell people, "My mom's an artist." When they do that I feel a little bit like saying "Shhh!" and kicking them under the table. I haven't contradicted them, but I feel a little awkward, over-exposed. I feel a little like that right now.<br />
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A few months ago my husband told me he wanted me to have the resources I needed to focus more on my painting. He's made good on it. When I'm in the middle of a painting project, he happily makes dinner and takes care of the kids so I don't have to stop. He's awesome.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ngWRtTV35g/UVpzy4RzMOI/AAAAAAAACGA/HTN-S375gvc/s1600/IMG_6451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ngWRtTV35g/UVpzy4RzMOI/AAAAAAAACGA/HTN-S375gvc/s640/IMG_6451.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
So, I'm reading about painting and materials: value, hue, composition, brushstrokes, canvas, paint, medium, and . . . so much to learn. I am excited. I'm painting more. And we're building me a studio (what?!). More on that to come . . . .<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5_uODmv4Yk0/UVYndDCyXrI/AAAAAAAACFQ/Wluct17Twqo/s1600/f81dc1f47ced5799fb6ed007492bef8c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5_uODmv4Yk0/UVYndDCyXrI/AAAAAAAACFQ/Wluct17Twqo/s400/f81dc1f47ced5799fb6ed007492bef8c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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{a dahlia photo I found online} </div>
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I recently did some practicing on a pretty large scale--about 30 x 40. My dear friend, Kasey, is about to welcome her second baby--her first little girl--into their family. This little one's bedroom is already super sophisticated with horizontal stripes and deep colors. Kasey asked me to paint a large close up of a vibrant dahlia for the new nursery. It was a challenging and exciting project for me.<br />
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In my reading lately I've been learning about the importance of designing a composition based on the patterns the different values make in the arrangement (that is the lights and darks). I treated this dahlia painting as a study in value, beginning with the initial sketch made from a photo.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--2RHtzsKPo0/UVYm5mLnnQI/AAAAAAAACEQ/5zleJIAXsq4/s1600/IMG_6449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="367" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--2RHtzsKPo0/UVYm5mLnnQI/AAAAAAAACEQ/5zleJIAXsq4/s400/IMG_6449.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{my posterized sketch}</div>
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<br /></div>
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Then I did a small preliminary painting to experiment with color.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VGpYkkbdY7s/UVYnlQC2huI/AAAAAAAACFg/s3nfT17lV0o/s1600/IMG_6483.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VGpYkkbdY7s/UVYnlQC2huI/AAAAAAAACFg/s3nfT17lV0o/s640/IMG_6483.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Once I started the final painting, I tried to be constantly aware of whether the spot I was handling fell in the shadow or the light. I began with a quick underpainting in yellow ochre and ultramarine delineating these lights and shadows.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hct68DXsnQk/UVYnC0I3caI/AAAAAAAACEY/R6QBKYKUkzE/s1600/IMG_6449_2_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hct68DXsnQk/UVYnC0I3caI/AAAAAAAACEY/R6QBKYKUkzE/s640/IMG_6449_2_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The canvas was so large that I had to make our piano in the living room into a makeshift easel. It worked out fine although I did have to pack things up for piano practice pretty often.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EPHPiwkZuxc/UVYnD876aTI/AAAAAAAACEg/9WZ4QgdlPWc/s1600/IMG_6450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EPHPiwkZuxc/UVYnD876aTI/AAAAAAAACEg/9WZ4QgdlPWc/s640/IMG_6450.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The finished painting is definitely my interpretation of the photo, not my attempt to copy it. I like a looser brushstroke and clean colors. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UI6dDos85n8/UVYnENGE-4I/AAAAAAAACEk/8WWp5R7GyN4/s1600/IMG_6452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UI6dDos85n8/UVYnENGE-4I/AAAAAAAACEk/8WWp5R7GyN4/s640/IMG_6452.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CazxzsnPtZk/UVpvJb_jSEI/AAAAAAAACFw/qlf_9-K01rQ/s1600/IMG_6454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CazxzsnPtZk/UVpvJb_jSEI/AAAAAAAACFw/qlf_9-K01rQ/s640/IMG_6454.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And it made for some unique baby shower decor.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U34k5Vl3CQU/UVYnaBcYDpI/AAAAAAAACFI/vKNhtr3Bz08/s1600/IMG_6459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U34k5Vl3CQU/UVYnaBcYDpI/AAAAAAAACFI/vKNhtr3Bz08/s640/IMG_6459.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Look at my silly smile. Jack insisted on taking a picture of me with my painting.</div>
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Once again, I'm feeling a little vulnerable, a little over-exposed. </div>
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It's scary stepping into the picture and admitting that I'm trying.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-efe0Q_wB5OM/UVYngqtQJXI/AAAAAAAACFY/1DAYomXjSq8/s1600/IMG_6466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-efe0Q_wB5OM/UVYngqtQJXI/AAAAAAAACFY/1DAYomXjSq8/s640/IMG_6466.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785767772171855400noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176368985949498797.post-59177041434134540782013-03-29T16:13:00.001-07:002013-04-16T09:50:36.142-07:00Watercolor Fern {or how to make a blown egg}<div style="text-align: center;">
I have a <a href="http://welivethegivenlife.blogspot.com/2011/04/watercolor-eggs.html" target="_blank">collection of watercolor eggs</a> that has slowly grown over the years. This year I painted a fern egg to add to the lot. These are blown eggs--the whites and yolks have been removed. </div>
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Although they are quite fragile, blown eggs will last for years if treated gently.</div>
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<br /></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K4a3qzaj3aU/UVYS1S4n71I/AAAAAAAACD0/b0mF--n63FU/s1600/IMG_6527.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K4a3qzaj3aU/UVYS1S4n71I/AAAAAAAACD0/b0mF--n63FU/s640/IMG_6527.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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If you've never blown an egg before, it's easy to learn! </div>
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Use a needle or safety pin to poke a hole in the top and bottom of the egg. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cZcY3Ga7JDE/UVYSxSs_nnI/AAAAAAAACDo/gOScRQ4uBbg/s1600/IMG_6520.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cZcY3Ga7JDE/UVYSxSs_nnI/AAAAAAAACDo/gOScRQ4uBbg/s400/IMG_6520.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Make sure the hole is 1/8 inch or so in diameter. </div>
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If you are having trouble getting the whites and yolk out, make the bottom hole a little bigger.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XFJi9OwcELc/UVYSv7Ey1FI/AAAAAAAACDg/JoCXV7OlLpg/s1600/IMG_6514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XFJi9OwcELc/UVYSv7Ey1FI/AAAAAAAACDg/JoCXV7OlLpg/s400/IMG_6514.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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(No, I'm not losing my dinner.)</div>
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Then gently (but with quite a bit of force) blow through the top hole. </div>
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The contents of the egg will pour out the bottom. Now you can make scrambled eggs! </div>
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Rinse the egg shell and let it dry thoroughly. Then paint, sketch, dye, create!</div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-isuAVHeLpCM/UVYS5q58M2I/AAAAAAAACD4/mBzQYrJr4vg/s1600/IMG_6527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="342" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-isuAVHeLpCM/UVYS5q58M2I/AAAAAAAACD4/mBzQYrJr4vg/s640/IMG_6527.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Happy Easter!</div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785767772171855400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176368985949498797.post-58568918646446730552013-03-07T16:45:00.001-08:002013-04-28T23:31:06.195-07:00Green Gallery Wall {a study in landscape}<div style="text-align: center;">
My living room has been a slow work in progress ever since we moved in to this house seven years ago. We've experimented with a few different rugs, replaced old furniture, added a new (old) chandelier, painted the walls white, and I've tweaked and shifted things around almost daily. </div>
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(That's one of my <strike>gifts</strike> weaknesses--don't judge!)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K4CVh5sDfwg/UTkns_qZCII/AAAAAAAACDM/1wuGecfEv4A/s1600/IMG_6444.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="632" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K4CVh5sDfwg/UTkns_qZCII/AAAAAAAACDM/1wuGecfEv4A/s640/IMG_6444.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I recently redesigned the one big boring
wall in the room by creating a gallery wall of original art. Four of the
paintings are mine (three oil and one watercolor) and one painting I
bought on ebay.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TqfYWLnWLm0/UTknaB9Z2xI/AAAAAAAACCk/HaNi-UpbHr0/s1600/IMG_6429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TqfYWLnWLm0/UTknaB9Z2xI/AAAAAAAACCk/HaNi-UpbHr0/s400/IMG_6429.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The composition of the paintings on the wall was tough to figure out.
After lots of unsuccessful experimenting with the four oil paintings, I
realized I needed one more little one, so I rummaged around in my stash
and found the watercolor which I had painted years ago. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I traced the shape of each frame on brown packing paper and cut them out
to use as templates on the wall. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2ot6zrYce4/UTknbSeP3iI/AAAAAAAACCs/04p51u-sOIo/s1600/IMG_6432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2ot6zrYce4/UTknbSeP3iI/AAAAAAAACCs/04p51u-sOIo/s400/IMG_6432.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once I decided on the composition, I
taped them up to make sure I liked how they were centered and how they
filled the space. Then Scott and I hung the frames with a few minor adjustments and came up with this ~</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x2gnydDUDzw/UTknb4M8tXI/AAAAAAAACC0/mlZ7ScLW8LM/s1600/IMG_6442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x2gnydDUDzw/UTknb4M8tXI/AAAAAAAACC0/mlZ7ScLW8LM/s640/IMG_6442.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The painting on the top left is the watercolor I painted in college. It's a landscape from a photo I took in the mountains outside of Quito, Equador. The top middle is an oil I did a few months ago from a shot I took this summer while we were vacationing on the <a href="http://welivethegivenlife.blogspot.com/2012/09/quiet-moment.html" target="_blank">Oregon coast.</a> The painting on the top right was done in college as well, a study of a Van Gogh. I painted the one on the bottom right a few years ago for an <a href="http://welivethegivenlife.blogspot.com/2011/05/66-words.html" target="_blank">art show</a> at our church. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eObvNbO0WQA/UTknp8wAYhI/AAAAAAAACC8/EAdWpI8Vz-Y/s1600/IMG_6446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eObvNbO0WQA/UTknp8wAYhI/AAAAAAAACC8/EAdWpI8Vz-Y/s640/IMG_6446.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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They are tied together through color and theme, but vary a bit in style. I like gallery walls that are more random, too, but I'm loving the repeated green fields and ocean imagery in this collection.<br />
I think it brightens up the room, and the added height and gold accents relate to the chandelier and make the room feel a little bigger to me. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZJVT-ysqIs/UTknsBoDUrI/AAAAAAAACDE/HOgwIe076us/s1600/IMG_6444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZJVT-ysqIs/UTknsBoDUrI/AAAAAAAACDE/HOgwIe076us/s640/IMG_6444.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785767772171855400noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176368985949498797.post-30095187211736959142013-02-02T14:16:00.001-08:002013-02-03T13:18:17.135-08:00Pretty Plate Wall {high impact ~ low risk}<div style="text-align: center;">
When I was visiting my sister, Carrie, this fall we were inspired to jazz up her kinda-boring kitchen </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with a plate wall. I'd been wanting to try one for a while, but I've run out of wall space at my house. </div>
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Carrie was up for some low-risk (inexpensive) decorating, so we had a great time throwing this together.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ESXGOd96opk/UQ2CDZeK_TI/AAAAAAAACAo/fTVwY6R83nM/s1600/IMG_6290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ESXGOd96opk/UQ2CDZeK_TI/AAAAAAAACAo/fTVwY6R83nM/s640/IMG_6290.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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What you will need:<br />
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10-15 plates (or more?) - All of these were already owned or cost around $2 - $5 or so.<br />
plate hangers - We used the wire ones you can get at hardware stores.<br />
butcher paper<br />
a digital camera<br />
hammer and nails<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s7hYc4WbJlg/UQ2CTWI8iSI/AAAAAAAACBA/JlgH7-VN7So/s1600/IMG_6296.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s7hYc4WbJlg/UQ2CTWI8iSI/AAAAAAAACBA/JlgH7-VN7So/s640/IMG_6296.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br />
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How we did it: <br />
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1. We started by collecting plates. Carrie had six of these plates already, but we went to Marshall's and Home Goods to pick up the rest. We were looking for a combination of bright, bold colors, lots of texture, and a mixture of patterns and solids. (You should check out all the plate walls on <a href="http://pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=plate+wall" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> to figure out what colors and styles you like.)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Npa0OQi5dE/UQ2CPgZ-IaI/AAAAAAAACA4/GHTRzkB5wlw/s1600/IMG_6137-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Npa0OQi5dE/UQ2CPgZ-IaI/AAAAAAAACA4/GHTRzkB5wlw/s640/IMG_6137-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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(one of our earlier layouts)</div>
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<br /></div>
2. We played around with the composition on the floor. I'd take a picture when the layout seemed close, then tweak it a little more, take a pic, compare, tweak, pic, etc., until we settled on a composition we liked. <br />
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3. This step could be combined with two to simplify things, but we were putting this together over a few days time so we separated the steps. I measured the space we wanted to fill on the wall, then rolled out a length of butcher paper in the same dimensions on the floor. Using the picture I'd taken as a guide, I set the plates out in the composition we'd chosen. Then I traced around each plate, drawing circles on the paper to create a template. Once that was finished I taped the paper template to the kitchen wall.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tTonvj1CCsw/UQ2CFnS-3pI/AAAAAAAACAw/T6uQv6PD8sI/s1600/IMG_6288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tTonvj1CCsw/UQ2CFnS-3pI/AAAAAAAACAw/T6uQv6PD8sI/s640/IMG_6288.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s7hYc4WbJlg/UQ2CTWI8iSI/AAAAAAAACBA/JlgH7-VN7So/s1600/IMG_6296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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4. I chose a plate to start with (it doesn't matter which one). First, I attached the plate holder to the back. Then I held it up to the corresponding circle on the template and marked where the nail should go. (I continued using the picture on my camera as a guide.) Then I nailed right through the paper and hung the plate. I repeated that process until all the plates were hung, but the paper was still taped to the wall with nails poking through it. Finally, I took all the plates off the wall, tore off the paper (leaving the nails in all the right places, of course) and re-hung the plates.<br />
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Pretty jazzy, right? Well, just in the last hours before I left to return home I was hit by a second wave of inspiration ~ that old IKEA table was calling out for a quick and easy update. </div>
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But, alas, I had run out of time.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So when I went back last weekend (to visit my sweet new little cuddly nephew) I hit the ground running </div>
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with a plan. I lightly sanded the table, painted it green and did a few coats of wipe-on polyurethane </div>
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on the first day. The next day I applied another coat of polyurethane to the top with a brush. </div>
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(I wanted to be sure to get a good strong top coat since the table gets such constant use.)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tGQ2eFxyc4w/UQ2CX2BhiYI/AAAAAAAACBQ/EltO5U6wwmk/s1600/IMG_6308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tGQ2eFxyc4w/UQ2CX2BhiYI/AAAAAAAACBQ/EltO5U6wwmk/s640/IMG_6308.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next day it was finished in all its bright, spring-green, freshness.</div>
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I love how Carrie's kitchen turned out and it was so fun and easy to do.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d-jcc07kf3k/UQ2Cb5whfyI/AAAAAAAACBY/FJQ2BtPjr80/s1600/IMG_6312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d-jcc07kf3k/UQ2Cb5whfyI/AAAAAAAACBY/FJQ2BtPjr80/s640/IMG_6312.jpg" width="474" /></a></div>
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If you're contemplating an inexpensive, high-impact change--I say go for it!</div>
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What do you have to lose? </div>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785767772171855400noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176368985949498797.post-8292077662115006122013-01-24T21:37:00.000-08:002013-01-24T21:58:11.172-08:00Move along, nothing to see here... {thoughts on art in the sanctuary}<div style="text-align: center;">
What helps you to meditate on truth?</div>
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In what environment are you most receptive to the means of grace?</div>
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How can what you see with your eye encourage your heart and mind to see? </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pztb7MUAaL0/UQHHKVnL8gI/AAAAAAAAB_w/3DisacBLIFQ/s1600/IMG_6199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pztb7MUAaL0/UQHHKVnL8gI/AAAAAAAAB_w/3DisacBLIFQ/s640/IMG_6199.jpg" width="426" /> </a></div>
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The good news is, well, it's actually the Good News! </div>
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It doesn't depend on us, on our faculties for attention, </div>
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on our access to excellent environments for worship. </div>
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It does depend on our hearing, on God's enabling us to receive his grace </div>
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through the means which he has given. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2CLBI3ErzbE/UQHHKBRYlLI/AAAAAAAAB_s/QLLduuDQkJ4/s1600/IMG_6216.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2CLBI3ErzbE/UQHHKBRYlLI/AAAAAAAAB_s/QLLduuDQkJ4/s640/IMG_6216.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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A few weeks ago I was asked to design something to hang in the space behind the pulpit </div>
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at our church, framing the cross, facing the congregation of the saints. </div>
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I'm sure I overthink these things, and honestly that might normally prevent me </div>
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from producing anything at all. But, since the time frame between being asked for a design </div>
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and getting started on the project was around 24 hours, </div>
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with the deadline for completion in less than a week, </div>
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I had to move quickly and my thinking-creating-evaluating process was severely truncated.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0uMJ2HOb4lQ/UQHHHr0wTKI/AAAAAAAAB_k/9DRRKOb-Wf0/s1600/IMG_6204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0uMJ2HOb4lQ/UQHHHr0wTKI/AAAAAAAAB_k/9DRRKOb-Wf0/s640/IMG_6204.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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In considering the environment, the physical context for the gathering of the church, </div>
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for the hearing of the Word by the people of God </div>
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I wanted to create something that, in a sense, people wouldn't see. </div>
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Well, yes, I know they see it, but I hoped it would not call attention to itself, </div>
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not become a distraction to those who are hearing and worshiping.</div>
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And yet, maybe subtly it could draw the eye and the heart and the mind toward Christ. </div>
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I envisioned something rough, something ordinary, unpolished, even broken. </div>
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I thought about vertical lines sweeping upward and about </div>
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muddy, dark and dingy things becoming lighter and brighter.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sDDA-DpFRu4/UQHHVN3yFFI/AAAAAAAACAI/EbBIEjfL30k/s1600/IMG_6221.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sDDA-DpFRu4/UQHHVN3yFFI/AAAAAAAACAI/EbBIEjfL30k/s640/IMG_6221.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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We used ordinary, cheap, scrap wood shims, broken, battered, and discolored </div>
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with various drab shades of paint, oriented in a vertical pattern almost imperceptibly graduating </div>
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from a slightly darker to lighter shade of distressed, weathered wood.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VTRdTQCX6-M/UQHHRXMZgHI/AAAAAAAAB_8/P2Mf9KqKY4w/s1600/IMG_6217.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VTRdTQCX6-M/UQHHRXMZgHI/AAAAAAAAB_8/P2Mf9KqKY4w/s640/IMG_6217.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm still not sure these panels achieve (or under-achieve) all I envision art in the worship setting should, but they're up, and they're messy, and they point heavenward. I guess I'm hopeful that we broken believers, as we gather to worship, would do the same.</div>
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--::--</div>
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<span class="reftext"></span><i>Therefore, brothers,<span class="footnote"></span> since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, </i></div>
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<i><span class="reftext"></span>by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, </i></div>
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<i>that is, through his flesh, <span class="reftext"></span>and since we have a great priest over the house of God, </i></div>
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<i><span class="reftext"></span>let
us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, </i></div>
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<i>with our
hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed
with pure water. <span class="reftext"></span> </i></div>
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<i>Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. <span class="reftext"></span> </i></div>
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<i>And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, <span class="reftext"></span> </i></div>
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<i>not
neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, </i></div>
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<i>but encouraging
one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. </i></div>
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<i>Hebrews 10:19-25</i></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785767772171855400noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176368985949498797.post-9117534291560204132013-01-20T17:25:00.000-08:002013-01-21T20:10:21.723-08:00Holiness, Obedience, and Gospel Enthusiasts {a review of DeYoung's The Hole in Our Holiness}<div style="text-align: left;">
In his book, <i>The Hole in Our Holiness,</i> Kevin DeYoung seeks to address what he sees as a lack of concern and conviction in the church about living godly lives and pursuing holiness. This is a difficult task--holding up God's law as good and instructive without obscuring or minimizing the free gift of justification by faith alone. Overall, DeYoung does this well, exhorting readers to holiness and encouraging them through the gospel.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Nmt1HF1mPM/UPofRxV_sBI/AAAAAAAAB70/5svt2ddMX3E/s1600/IMG_6273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Nmt1HF1mPM/UPofRxV_sBI/AAAAAAAAB70/5svt2ddMX3E/s640/IMG_6273.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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He calls readers to take seriously the imperatives of the law and to strive to grow in holiness as a result of and fueled by the freeing grace of the gospel. <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Pastor DeYoung encourages Christians to live lives of obedience to God's law through "Spirit-powered, gospel-driven, faith-fueled effort." He reminds us to return to the identity we have in Christ, through the gospel, and to live out the reality of that new identity. </span><br />
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All this is very good, and much needed. In mainstream evangelicalism certainly, and surely in many individual churches as well, pastors shy away from preaching the imperatives of the law with its clear call to perfect holiness and instead preach a "you're good-enough" kind of message. We all need to grow in our love for and reflection of God's holiness and DeYoung's book is an excellent help to believers in that direction.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4q856oNphAQ/UPofR1jATjI/AAAAAAAAB74/M5tGH73AzaM/s1600/IMG_6268.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4q856oNphAQ/UPofR1jATjI/AAAAAAAAB74/M5tGH73AzaM/s640/IMG_6268.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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I am hesitant to voice my criticism of this book because there is so much that is so good. However, there are a number of places in the book where DeYoung addresses possible disagreements with his argument and it is in these places that I believe he muddies the waters a bit instead of clarifying things.<br />
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In reformed and reformed-leaning circles recently there has been some discussion of the possibility of over-emphasizing the gospel. There seem to be some questions about whether or not too great an emphasis on justification results in too little concern for striving and obedience, and there have been accusations of antinomianism. Christians in these circles would benefit from clear distinctions and definitions and straight-forward discussion. <span style="color: #6aa84f;">DeYoung's overall thesis rightly affirms a gospel-driven pursuit of holiness, but some readers may go away from his book thinking that they should be concerned when the gospel is "too" celebrated.</span><br />
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In Chapter Four, he discusses those who suffer from "nomophobia (fear of the law)" and characterizes them as people who "make every imperative into a command to believe the gospel more fully." He claims that these people "turn the gospel into one more thing we have to get right, and faith becomes the one thing we need to be better at. If only we <i>really </i>believed, obedience would take care of itself. No need for commands or effort" (55).<br />
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This kind of person may exist, one who emphasizes the gospel so much that "every imperative" is somehow reduced to "believe the gospel more fully" with "no need for commands or effort." However, I think DeYoung is creating a false dichotomy here. He seems to be claiming that those who teach that every command of God to the Christian implicitly calls us to believe the gospel more fully are also dismissing the third use of the law in the command, the content of the <i>therefore.</i> I think this person who claims that obedience to God requires no commands or effort is something of a straw man that DeYoung references several times in his book.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uahhfmSPevQ/UPohl9SANLI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/blsaeUDGVDg/s1600/IMG_6262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uahhfmSPevQ/UPohl9SANLI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/blsaeUDGVDg/s640/IMG_6262.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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In Chapter Five, DeYoung declares, "If we, in a well-intentioned
effort to celebrate the unimpeachable nature of our justification, make
it sound as though God no longer concerns himself with our sins, we'll
put a choke hold on our full-throttle drive to holiness" (74).<br />
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Again, I'm not sure who this hypothetical person is--the one who is so excited about the security of his salvation that he claims that God is not concerned about our sin. Here DeYoung misses a chance to clarify how enthusiastic celebration of the gospel leads to greater rest in Christ and this deep security fuels a greater desire and effort to walk in a manner worthy of Him.<br />
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Later in the same chapter, DeYoung looks to Paul's life as an example of a Christian pursuing a life of holiness without being plagued by guilt. He writes, "What's the secret to such freedom? Paul is not summoning the power of positive thinking or feeling good because he's got some judgment-free God" (76).<br />
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Once again, DeYoung is implying that those who emphasize that there is no condemnation for those in Christ also teach that this God of a radical, robust, amazing gospel, somehow doesn't care about holiness and sin. If DeYoung were writing to a wider evangelical audience, maybe to those who would be tempted to believe Oprah's gospel or Joel Osteen's, I could understand this repeated implication. (But the accusation would not apply here either, since the heart of the gospel--Christ's death and resurrection for my sake--is not preached emphatically by them.)<br />
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It seems to me that DeYoung's audience (and maybe I am wrong about this) is primarily made up of conservative Christians, readers of The Gospel Coalition blogs, those who lean toward or are Reformed, those who are trying to answer the question, "How do the <i>sola gratia, sola fide, </i>and<i> sola Christo</i> of the gospel relate to the holiness of God and my sanctification?" <br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">These repeated moments of confusion in <i>The Hole in Our Holiness</i> become a shadowy straw man, subtly calling into question the teaching of those who preach and teach "the unimpeachable nature of our justification."</span> </span>It would be a shame for anyone to think he should be concerned or suspicious of bold, unapologetic, unqualified gospel proclamation.<br />
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My concern is that those who fear that the gospel <i>can</i> be overemphasized and should be <i>balanced</i>, maybe even <i>limited</i> by law will find fuel for their worry in DeYoung's words, instead of realizing that these two realities for the Christian--that we are freely justified by faith as a gift AND that God calls believers to lives of obedience and holiness--are complementary truths and gain their meaning and power in relation to each other not in opposition to each other.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2gUspvF6Iwo/UPora6XoIxI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/_CcnuN3KEGk/s1600/IMG_6270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2gUspvF6Iwo/UPora6XoIxI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/_CcnuN3KEGk/s640/IMG_6270.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I may be too critical in highlighting this one particular weakness in <i>The Hole in Our Holiness</i>. <span style="color: #6aa84f;">Overall, I appreciated DeYoung's exhortation to Christians to strive to live obedient lives and to follow God's law in light of our justification, union with Christ, and new identity in him.</span> I recognize the need in my own life to be awakened to the beauty of God's holiness and to strive more and more to follow after Christ and his righteousness. Despite the shortcoming discussed here, I am thankful to Pastor DeYoung for his kind and powerful call to this life of obedience<i> </i>and I heartily recommend his book<i>.</i>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785767772171855400noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176368985949498797.post-20055985598527873362013-01-19T23:39:00.000-08:002013-01-19T23:39:39.910-08:00The Amazing Magna-Tiles ~ Toy Recommendation<div style="text-align: center;">
I have to pass along this amazing toy that my kids love ~</div>
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(drumroll please)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vxhWoUlN9EM/UPuRzuOCl7I/AAAAAAAAB-Q/VwBFgbTBTnc/s1600/IMG_6247.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vxhWoUlN9EM/UPuRzuOCl7I/AAAAAAAAB-Q/VwBFgbTBTnc/s640/IMG_6247.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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MAGNA-TILES!</div>
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They've received Magna-tiles for several birthdays and Christmases, </div>
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adding to their collection and expanding their building possibilities. </div>
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They play with it every day constructing houses, flying ships, </div>
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horse corrals, castles, and other feats of engineering. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A7NVoqhuW34/UPuYEYs1oZI/AAAAAAAAB_E/UdSJuxKgtDU/s1600/IMG_6255.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A7NVoqhuW34/UPuYEYs1oZI/AAAAAAAAB_E/UdSJuxKgtDU/s640/IMG_6255.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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The tiles are basically indestructable plastic shapes with magnetic
edges </div>
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that click together to create all sorts of wild and useful (for
play) structures. </div>
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Jack and Elizabeth almost never use the buildings and
sets that come </div>
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with their Playmobile kits, because Magna-tile buildings
are so much more versatile. </div>
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Action figures of all sorts can make themselves at home in magna-tile land.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DQgshgQ4caI/UPuR3fxOawI/AAAAAAAAB-g/mYaX4jFyQ5c/s1600/IMG_6249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DQgshgQ4caI/UPuR3fxOawI/AAAAAAAAB-g/mYaX4jFyQ5c/s640/IMG_6249.jpg" width="426" /> </a></div>
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Yes, I do believe that is Lord Aragorn and his friend, the Playmobile guard.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4e6d_Z8vayA/UPuYDD-AoPI/AAAAAAAAB-8/eJQVZUSRL6Y/s1600/IMG_6257.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4e6d_Z8vayA/UPuYDD-AoPI/AAAAAAAAB-8/eJQVZUSRL6Y/s640/IMG_6257.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And here we have a knight ready for take-off in his fighter spaceship. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-neEQjpeGteg/UPuR0YnNXwI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/qMQECEuEnTk/s1600/IMG_6238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-neEQjpeGteg/UPuR0YnNXwI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/qMQECEuEnTk/s640/IMG_6238.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Magna-tiles are a little pricey, but I definitely think they're worth it.</div>
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If you want to order some, the cheapest place I've found online is <a href="http://www.whatshebuys.com/brands-magnatiles.html" target="_blank"><u>here</u></a>. </div>
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(OK, now I don't feel so bad for keeping such an awesome secret.)</div>
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Have fun!</div>
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785767772171855400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176368985949498797.post-88458311182928189472013-01-07T23:11:00.000-08:002013-01-21T15:43:39.317-08:00O Starry Night {better late than never}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hold on, wait just a minute, I know you've already packed up your ornaments and you are on to brilliant beginnings in the new year, but if you don't mind re-visiting Christmas for a moment ~ here's a peek at what I was looking at for much of the season.</div>
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This year I was asked to contribute to our church's advent decoration by designing and painting two huge panels. I was a little intimidated by the size and public nature of the project and by the challenge of creating art that would edify and not distract worshippers. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CzpPTDSK-ms/UOu8Zy0sGuI/AAAAAAAAB6E/ydYbQ1hWPG8/s1600/BAP_7288.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CzpPTDSK-ms/UOu8Zy0sGuI/AAAAAAAAB6E/ydYbQ1hWPG8/s640/BAP_7288.jpg" width="412" /></a> </div>
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I used dark, earthy tones and a simple landscape scene to suggest the various parts of the Christmas story ~ Mary and Joseph traveling all the way to the little town of Bethlehem, the shepherds in the fields, the star seen by the Magi, and peace on earth, goodwill to men.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQJkjnKPdkw/UOu8aCP_0II/AAAAAAAAB6I/csBDj9xC8bw/s1600/BAP_7272.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="590" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQJkjnKPdkw/UOu8aCP_0II/AAAAAAAAB6I/csBDj9xC8bw/s640/BAP_7272.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Each panel measures around 11 x 6 feet. I painted on 1/4 inch hardboard (I think) with valspar paints and purdy brushes. I did a lot of scrambling up and down the ladder and running way back </div>
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to get the big picture view.</div>
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The two panels framed the cross in the front of the sanctuary and were designed </div>
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to transition between our regular Sunday
worship services, the children's choir performance, </div>
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and the Christmas
concert.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SE-AZrPMN1M/UOvE-yWrv0I/AAAAAAAAB6o/eDCDl2LwD40/s1600/165053_10151193172761662_512966181_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SE-AZrPMN1M/UOvE-yWrv0I/AAAAAAAAB6o/eDCDl2LwD40/s640/165053_10151193172761662_512966181_n.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
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With help from some talented
builder/craftsmen, the structure came together. </div>
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Although it's difficult to see, there were Christmas trees
and poinsettias flanking the stage as well.</div>
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It has been an honor and a great creative outlet for me to help design and create things at our church over the years. I'm thankful for the chance to contribute.</div>
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Now, bring on Adventure Week 2013!</div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785767772171855400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176368985949498797.post-28379257854859085322012-12-13T19:17:00.002-08:002013-01-21T15:44:15.130-08:00The Fullness of Time {a Christmas hymn}<div style="text-align: center;">
I had to share this beautiful song, written and performed by Jack Franicevich, </div>
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a college student who worships with us at Grace EV Free Church La Mirada. </div>
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Listen to and marvel at the greatest story ever told.<br />
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Listen on Vimeo <a href="http://vimeo.com/55568699#" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785767772171855400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176368985949498797.post-53680495992942945592012-12-04T13:05:00.004-08:002013-01-21T15:44:47.705-08:00Wonky Christmas<div style="text-align: center;">
This year I took it up a notch. The usual Costco gingerbread house kit was not for me. </div>
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I was going to make a truly homemade gingerbread creation, on the most humid day of the year, </div>
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in the middle of a rainstorm, under a waterfall.</div>
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So it turned out pretty wonky, no? </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qmYAMdqnObA/UL5bE2NwXwI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/Z119MuC633A/s1600/IMG_5944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qmYAMdqnObA/UL5bE2NwXwI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/Z119MuC633A/s640/IMG_5944.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Jack, Elizabeth, and I used our super-engineering skills </div>
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to buttress the warping walls with much candy. </div>
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The icing slid a <strike>bit</strike> lot. </div>
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I figure it's a good lesson for my perfectionist son to see his mom, the "artist," </div>
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satisfied with a creation that is most definitely imperfect.</div>
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He figures candy tastes good no matter how it looks.</div>
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He's right.</div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785767772171855400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176368985949498797.post-25771948503717638122012-10-22T15:18:00.001-07:002013-01-21T15:45:38.943-08:00Hobbit Party {or what happens when both your parents are nerds}<div style="text-align: center;">
Last weekend we celebrated Jack's sixth birthday. Love that kid. </div>
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In the last three years we've read <i>The Hobbit</i> (twice) and most of <i>The Lord of the Rings </i></div>
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(we're half-way through <i>The Return of the King</i>). He has an awesome attention span </div>
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and he loves to snuggle up and hear a good story. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xi7xOFd5ujY/UISRIwf5VGI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/eCocs4HCxkU/s1600/IMG_5681.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xi7xOFd5ujY/UISRIwf5VGI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/eCocs4HCxkU/s640/IMG_5681.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">(Please excuse the ridiculous number of photos in this post. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I wanted to provide some details for all you Hobbit party-planners out there.)</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JnaNCPNqQnU/UISREENCfhI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/udWGptaXTGw/s1600/IMG_5599.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JnaNCPNqQnU/UISREENCfhI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/udWGptaXTGw/s640/IMG_5599.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Scott and I had a great time coming up with how to have a Hobbit party. (We're nerdy like that.)</div>
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I
penned (with my fountain pen--nerd again) invitations using
the text from the note Thorin leaves on Bilbo's mantle, inviting all the
burglars on the adventure.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DkUmnW_tAQ0/UISXBSLKGJI/AAAAAAAAB14/6Y8Aa0puEyo/s1600/IMG_5709.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DkUmnW_tAQ0/UISXBSLKGJI/AAAAAAAAB14/6Y8Aa0puEyo/s640/IMG_5709.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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When they arrived at "The Green Dragon Inn" we fed them a hobbit-y kind of a lunch: </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OEQSPKRiFY/UISRlzWXOdI/AAAAAAAAB0g/UfQivqgUt9E/s1600/IMG_5681_2.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OEQSPKRiFY/UISRlzWXOdI/AAAAAAAAB0g/UfQivqgUt9E/s640/IMG_5681_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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sandwiches on freshly baked biscuits, </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rKhhR98sCaM/UIST8SMVB1I/AAAAAAAAB1E/0EvioLH9Q04/s1600/IMG_5693.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rKhhR98sCaM/UIST8SMVB1I/AAAAAAAAB1E/0EvioLH9Q04/s640/IMG_5693.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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fruit, pumpkin scones with cream and jam, and cups of root beer.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GSHPcixjlxI/UISTQm4wpYI/AAAAAAAAB04/72Fyuf8zSW4/s1600/IMG_5691.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GSHPcixjlxI/UISTQm4wpYI/AAAAAAAAB04/72Fyuf8zSW4/s640/IMG_5691.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Over lunch, I gave the kids a little summary of the story ~ </div>
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a quest to defeat Smaug and win back Thorin's treasure. </div>
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Each "burglar" received his own map with the trail marked in red. </div>
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I labeled each of the challenges they would face on their quest.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l4ZJTOtNBXc/UISdML5Z9pI/AAAAAAAAB3s/Xe47hfNjxOU/s1600/IMG_5776.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l4ZJTOtNBXc/UISdML5Z9pI/AAAAAAAAB3s/Xe47hfNjxOU/s640/IMG_5776.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our party activities were as follows:</div>
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<li>Stone Troll Tag </li>
<li>Riddles in the Dark</li>
<li>Spiders and Flies </li>
<li>Barrels out of Bond</li>
<li>The Black Arrow</li>
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After each activity we consulted the map and I had the kids figure out what came next. Then I explained a bit of the story to go with that activity.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-24ICEjTzlfE/UISYJ5wqnrI/AAAAAAAAB2U/fehGcUpx6gA/s1600/IMG_5714.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-24ICEjTzlfE/UISYJ5wqnrI/AAAAAAAAB2U/fehGcUpx6gA/s640/IMG_5714.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Stone Troll Tag:</span> We played a game of freeze tag. Scott was the "troll" trying to freeze the kids by tagging them. They played until I announced that the sun had risen and Scott was turned into stone. Then I gave each child a blue glow-in-the-dark sword ("Sting") from the trolls' treasure trove. (Gotta love the dollar store.)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q38oLKwwdfY/UISVzMu7A6I/AAAAAAAAB1c/ylDwqfiFuV0/s1600/IMG_5705.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q38oLKwwdfY/UISVzMu7A6I/AAAAAAAAB1c/ylDwqfiFuV0/s640/IMG_5705.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Riddles in the Dark:</span> We asked the kids riddles which gave them the right to go into Gollum's cave. Scott constructed a cave out of six large black garbage bags, opened up and duct taped together to make a giant bag. (This may qualify him as the biggest nerd, or coolest dad, you decide.) </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e5cQBGZf8-w/UISUTrZI_nI/AAAAAAAAB1M/uZvQWbyC6wQ/s1600/IMG_5701.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e5cQBGZf8-w/UISUTrZI_nI/AAAAAAAAB1M/uZvQWbyC6wQ/s640/IMG_5701.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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He left a large hole (child-size) at one
end for the entrance. He left a small hole (the size of our fan) at the
other end. Duct tape the small hole around the edges of the fan and when
it's turned on it should fill the "bag" with air, inflating it into a
giant cave.</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Disclaimer:</span></span></i> I thought this idea was insane when he described it to me--it sounded like a death trap. </div>
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(What? We're going to have a bunch of kids crawl in to a giant garbage bag?) </div>
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Once he had it set up, it made perfect sense and didn't seem risky to me. </div>
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That said, make the evaluation yourself and do this activity at your own risk.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XWGcqrrOVg4/UIScWrEgp5I/AAAAAAAAB3c/d0JKxRgxMBw/s1600/IMG_5763.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XWGcqrrOVg4/UIScWrEgp5I/AAAAAAAAB3c/d0JKxRgxMBw/s640/IMG_5763.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We put the gold rings (on brown ribbon)
around inside the cave and I painted a gollum to go at the far end. The
kids had to crawl inside with their glowing "stings" and find their
rings. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SMnOXzZucG8/UISUb6HX_3I/AAAAAAAAB1U/BpIxR9QL3MY/s1600/IMG_5704.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="506" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SMnOXzZucG8/UISUb6HX_3I/AAAAAAAAB1U/BpIxR9QL3MY/s640/IMG_5704.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I found a package of the gold rings in the jewelry section at Michael's. They
are key-chain-type rings.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xEpt9EHzri8/UISWOnSpl1I/AAAAAAAAB1k/qqJCP6bDubU/s1600/IMG_5706.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xEpt9EHzri8/UISWOnSpl1I/AAAAAAAAB1k/qqJCP6bDubU/s640/IMG_5706.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">Spiders and Flies:</span> Halloween cobweb decoration and dollar store spiders </div>
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made a spider tunnel for the kids to break through.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AdZ50NJ7Yg0/UISZFeckXKI/AAAAAAAAB2k/86zb-4u9Uyk/s1600/IMG_5725.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AdZ50NJ7Yg0/UISZFeckXKI/AAAAAAAAB2k/86zb-4u9Uyk/s400/IMG_5725.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--M9_CsoypS0/UISZg5F4EPI/AAAAAAAAB2w/R31HN3-Egq8/s1600/IMG_5731.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--M9_CsoypS0/UISZg5F4EPI/AAAAAAAAB2w/R31HN3-Egq8/s400/IMG_5731.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Creepy!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2r8w2Vkw0hM/UISWqjHbEaI/AAAAAAAAB1w/TDfhThuMnLI/s1600/IMG_5708.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2r8w2Vkw0hM/UISWqjHbEaI/AAAAAAAAB1w/TDfhThuMnLI/s640/IMG_5708.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Barrels out of Bond:</span></span> I picked up Arrowhead water bottles to serve as our barrels. I wished I could have found something that looked more barrel-like, but no luck. The kids had to get the barrels from the elven king's hall (the spa) to the end of Long Lake (the pool) using pool noodles and other tools (no hands).</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zlW-liIdQe4/UISamivqckI/AAAAAAAAB3A/0COGYmQAIAk/s1600/IMG_5743.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zlW-liIdQe4/UISamivqckI/AAAAAAAAB3A/0COGYmQAIAk/s640/IMG_5743.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This required some good teamwork, and luckily no one fell in.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UBh7oZm1mBs/UISXoUtRddI/AAAAAAAAB2I/jL9jhfU-X3k/s1600/IMG_5713.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UBh7oZm1mBs/UISXoUtRddI/AAAAAAAAB2I/jL9jhfU-X3k/s640/IMG_5713.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">The Black Arrow:</span> The final challenge was defeating Smaug by shooting him with Jack's archery set. (Not a nerd to be seen here--this is just cool!)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qVCGEeswS0E/UISbRnD5C1I/AAAAAAAAB3I/-tGV8-oz9pw/s1600/IMG_5746.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qVCGEeswS0E/UISbRnD5C1I/AAAAAAAAB3I/-tGV8-oz9pw/s640/IMG_5746.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Each child had a few chances to shoot at the target. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NuYsbMh3GSc/UIScoTILtCI/AAAAAAAAB3k/AkGZ5bAFPss/s1600/IMG_5764.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NuYsbMh3GSc/UIScoTILtCI/AAAAAAAAB3k/AkGZ5bAFPss/s640/IMG_5764.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And after the thrill of victory . . .</div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2D3h5vuR1CU/UISb4DlhliI/AAAAAAAAB3U/i5RFfaCK3Co/s1600/IMG_5748.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2D3h5vuR1CU/UISb4DlhliI/AAAAAAAAB3U/i5RFfaCK3Co/s640/IMG_5748.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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each child got his share of the treasure (a bag of chocolate gold coins). </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9NGQGfMEqM/UISSFBoa4ZI/AAAAAAAAB0o/o1fZd-BMQys/s1600/IMG_5687.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9NGQGfMEqM/UISSFBoa4ZI/AAAAAAAAB0o/o1fZd-BMQys/s640/IMG_5687.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hFHMrIASsp4/UISSfM3Rd_I/AAAAAAAAB0w/H61NBgjRfvw/s1600/IMG_5689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hFHMrIASsp4/UISSfM3Rd_I/AAAAAAAAB0w/H61NBgjRfvw/s640/IMG_5689.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm hoping these hobbits are inspired to read Tolkien's great book </div>
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now that they've had a little taste of the adventure. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8xRAB61Ahw4/UISaBmhyvlI/AAAAAAAAB24/FZbiYtRAmlM/s1600/IMG_5734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8xRAB61Ahw4/UISaBmhyvlI/AAAAAAAAB24/FZbiYtRAmlM/s640/IMG_5734.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Jack had a great time. I'm so thankful for his wonderful friends </div>
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and for the sweet six year old he has become. </div>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785767772171855400noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176368985949498797.post-51019149027729681952012-10-19T10:07:00.000-07:002013-01-30T15:21:45.924-08:00Why I like Fridays {thoughts on margin}<div style="text-align: center;">
Fridays are our catch-all day. We use them for finishing up schoolwork, chores, </div>
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piano, P.E. activities, parks, and picnics.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FzDqmldXdJQ/UH-SzCA1i-I/AAAAAAAABzM/rSaGeOrHxH0/s1600/IMG_5559.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FzDqmldXdJQ/UH-SzCA1i-I/AAAAAAAABzM/rSaGeOrHxH0/s640/IMG_5559.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The laundry gets done and the bunny hutch gets cleaned.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vV6pOYqX_0A/UH-TjjRsOyI/AAAAAAAABzc/8vQgYYhzMYI/s1600/IMG_5595.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vV6pOYqX_0A/UH-TjjRsOyI/AAAAAAAABzc/8vQgYYhzMYI/s400/IMG_5595.jpg" width="266" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dFP-2UrYFFc/UH-TMRB7ZQI/AAAAAAAABzU/qdv3OuPxx0c/s1600/IMG_5583.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dFP-2UrYFFc/UH-TMRB7ZQI/AAAAAAAABzU/qdv3OuPxx0c/s400/IMG_5583.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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And we have time.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S9FWRZrA3MM/UH-RzkyoFRI/AAAAAAAABy0/6ippGdMB9VY/s1600/IMG_5553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S9FWRZrA3MM/UH-RzkyoFRI/AAAAAAAABy0/6ippGdMB9VY/s640/IMG_5553.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Fridays are the built-in margin of our week.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-28C8k8c_OAc/UH-SEqGOGzI/AAAAAAAABy8/sPVVwXxsXjQ/s1600/IMG_5554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-28C8k8c_OAc/UH-SEqGOGzI/AAAAAAAABy8/sPVVwXxsXjQ/s640/IMG_5554.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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As I learn better how to manage school and kids and classes and home and friends and church and my marriage and myself, I'm learning that I really need more white space than I would think. I have to consciously build-in the margin in order to leave time for rest and focus and peace</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b04eOad0MaA/UH-SbeKhH0I/AAAAAAAABzE/aNo3SDiv1gY/s1600/IMG_5555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b04eOad0MaA/UH-SbeKhH0I/AAAAAAAABzE/aNo3SDiv1gY/s640/IMG_5555.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and light saber fights.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vV6pOYqX_0A/UH-TjjRsOyI/AAAAAAAABzc/8vQgYYhzMYI/s1600/IMG_5595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dFP-2UrYFFc/UH-TMRB7ZQI/AAAAAAAABzU/qdv3OuPxx0c/s1600/IMG_5583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785767772171855400noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176368985949498797.post-68960697015251145982012-10-17T15:47:00.000-07:002013-01-21T15:47:04.674-08:00Elephant Baby<div style="text-align: center;">
Last weekend I painted outside the box. </div>
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I mean, I didn't paint a landscape; I painted an elephant. </div>
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A baby elephant. Sitting down.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-elM00tHqk-c/UH8yMtg91VI/AAAAAAAAByM/1jd7Y1seZmY/s1600/IMG_5660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-elM00tHqk-c/UH8yMtg91VI/AAAAAAAAByM/1jd7Y1seZmY/s640/IMG_5660.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used watercolor and pencil.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--pqCQ0eXuo4/UH8yTSqKQTI/AAAAAAAAByU/gCJKiZdoveY/s1600/IMG_5664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--pqCQ0eXuo4/UH8yTSqKQTI/AAAAAAAAByU/gCJKiZdoveY/s640/IMG_5664.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's my little contribution to a soon-to-be-assembled gallery wall of
elephants </div>
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in my friend's soon-to-be-arriving-baby's nursery.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nyak-SN5ah0/UH8ynNFx4FI/AAAAAAAAByc/ZKCeBTktPU0/s1600/IMG_5664_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nyak-SN5ah0/UH8ynNFx4FI/AAAAAAAAByc/ZKCeBTktPU0/s640/IMG_5664_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Don't look too long--you'll discover that elephants look weird!</div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785767772171855400noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176368985949498797.post-46984195602528010762012-10-13T18:42:00.000-07:002013-01-21T15:47:56.829-08:00Tupperware Organization {with full disclosure}<div style="text-align: center;">
Um. I have to admit something to you. </div>
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I have a discipline problem. </div>
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I'm great with intentions and planning and envisioning the perfect _______ . </div>
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(Just fill in the blank.) </div>
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But I'm not very good with follow-through. If it's a short term, projecty, </div>
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boom-and-then-it's-over kind of a thing then I really shine. But the laundry . . . </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vzsRMTnZlMU/UHoCxaz0kLI/AAAAAAAABxc/T3UC0eidrF4/s1600/IMG_8661.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vzsRMTnZlMU/UHoCxaz0kLI/AAAAAAAABxc/T3UC0eidrF4/s640/IMG_8661.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Coming to this realization has been really helpful. </div>
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Any new attempts to get my life in order are made with more realistic expectations, hoping for modest gains, and once I find a system I can maintain I feel a real sense of achievement.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7RTN1qNxLgc/UHoCf3uyIoI/AAAAAAAABxU/u828G17cygI/s1600/IMG_8657.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7RTN1qNxLgc/UHoCf3uyIoI/AAAAAAAABxU/u828G17cygI/s640/IMG_8657.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Enter my tupperware problem. Does this look familiar to you? </div>
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It occurred to me a year and a half ago that the frustrating experience of never being able to find a matching lid and barely being able to close the tupperware drawer could maybe (maybe?) be remedied.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DpnHk7vPzko/UHoDCKtzowI/AAAAAAAABxk/w2aN9hCm9g4/s1600/IMG_8665.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DpnHk7vPzko/UHoDCKtzowI/AAAAAAAABxk/w2aN9hCm9g4/s640/IMG_8665.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
So I took everything out, stacked like shapes, and threw away any lids with out bottoms and vice versa. I came up with the brilliant plan (via google) to keep lids in a separate container and I found an old plastic crate in the garage to corral the bottoms. </div>
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</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-Ot7yl65iU/UHoDWTxLrYI/AAAAAAAABxs/x6yrXEEg4hk/s1600/IMG_8681.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-Ot7yl65iU/UHoDWTxLrYI/AAAAAAAABxs/x6yrXEEg4hk/s640/IMG_8681.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Then I waited to see if I would follow through and keep up the system. </div>
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A week passed. A month. A year. </div>
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And so, it is with great pride that I present to you my tupperware drawer a year and a half later ~</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PWMCHVbgqSY/UHoECBv_KyI/AAAAAAAABx0/enoZ-wjAF0I/s1600/IMG_5638.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PWMCHVbgqSY/UHoECBv_KyI/AAAAAAAABx0/enoZ-wjAF0I/s640/IMG_5638.jpg" width="426" /></a> </div>
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Ta da! I have a new and improved green crate and (you may notice) </div>
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my super-organization has resulted in some color-coordinated decorating pride.</div>
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{Full disclosure: This is what the other counter looked like when I took this picture.} </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-opcCJZ-hMyI/UHoB-KEgV4I/AAAAAAAABxE/phKbjnHQSe0/s1600/IMG_5641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-opcCJZ-hMyI/UHoB-KEgV4I/AAAAAAAABxE/phKbjnHQSe0/s640/IMG_5641.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And, my little helper . . .</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y3PZ0kx6nU0/UHoCLxaAxmI/AAAAAAAABxM/PaPYwWPzjnU/s1600/IMG_5643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y3PZ0kx6nU0/UHoCLxaAxmI/AAAAAAAABxM/PaPYwWPzjnU/s640/IMG_5643.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Three cheers for self-awareness, low expectations, and little victories!</div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785767772171855400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176368985949498797.post-40469386082631684512012-10-05T09:23:00.001-07:002012-10-05T09:23:32.605-07:00Fun Find<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br />As you probably know, I love plants and I love a Mediterranean / coastal vibe ~ </div>
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the slow pace, the old-world charm, the wine . . .</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-49IQk3Gf2EQ/UG8FeTIQmEI/AAAAAAAABwg/E4weZMWnTZE/s1600/IMG_5590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-49IQk3Gf2EQ/UG8FeTIQmEI/AAAAAAAABwg/E4weZMWnTZE/s640/IMG_5590.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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This week I happened upon a fun find at Ralph's (of all places) ~ </div>
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a cute little olive tree topiary. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kIpID4L2ihQ/UG8FIer_D_I/AAAAAAAABwY/iNgWJKOGf2A/s1600/IMG_5589.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kIpID4L2ihQ/UG8FIer_D_I/AAAAAAAABwY/iNgWJKOGf2A/s640/IMG_5589.jpg" width="426" /></a> </div>
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It will go outside soon, but I'm loving the look in my dining room right now. </div>
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There's nothing like real plants (except really good <a href="http://welivethegivenlife.blogspot.com/2011/07/cheaters-terrarium.html" target="_blank">fake plants</a>). </div>
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785767772171855400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176368985949498797.post-24000644558193753652012-09-25T21:25:00.001-07:002012-09-25T21:25:09.444-07:00New-Old Friend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We have a new fancy-shmancy friend in our living room. Her bedazzling jewels and gleaming golden arms shine like the . . . well, she's pretty.</div>
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I'm going to show you the ugly thing she replaced. The thing I struggled to keep out of the pictures, out of the reflections in the mirrors in the pictures. Consider yourself forewarned. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mloli6Jo7G8/UGJ8beFf7OI/AAAAAAAABvc/IHihTzgcuMo/s1600/IMG_5410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mloli6Jo7G8/UGJ8beFf7OI/AAAAAAAABvc/IHihTzgcuMo/s640/IMG_5410.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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I apologize to your eyes. </div>
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But, now you can appreciate all the more the loveliness that is our new (to us) chandelier. </div>
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She's settling in quite nicely, making friends with the walls and such. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_GJtak53QGo/UGJ-MjFsswI/AAAAAAAABwE/vM7xyPEJIe8/s1600/IMG_5561.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_GJtak53QGo/UGJ-MjFsswI/AAAAAAAABwE/vM7xyPEJIe8/s640/IMG_5561.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br />
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Here you can see her hanging out with her new buddy, <a href="http://welivethegivenlife.blogspot.com/2011/05/hanging-lantern-turquoise-is-new.html" target="_blank">turquoise lantern</a>.</div>
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Welcome home, Ms. Fancy-Shmancy! </div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WT-gwTln94g/UGJ9YX-5SjI/AAAAAAAABv0/d12oDCHnxnM/s1600/IMG_5534.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WT-gwTln94g/UGJ9YX-5SjI/AAAAAAAABv0/d12oDCHnxnM/s640/IMG_5534.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785767772171855400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176368985949498797.post-66409700743509182412012-09-22T23:35:00.000-07:002012-09-22T23:35:06.874-07:00A Church or a Clean Club? {what do you think?}My dad recently posted some encouragements, challenges, and reflections on the church as a clean club. He tells about a friend who came to the following conclusions about the church ~<br />
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Maybe that the Church seemed to be made up of pretty decent people who,
more or less, were doing pretty well with this Christian life thing.
That all was pretty good in the lives of the flock. No big struggles
with sin. No bouts with doubts. And that just didn't describe his life
which was fraught with struggles and weaknesses. The Church, in his
eyes, seemed to be the place for the mostly-together-good people, <i>a clean club</i>.<br />
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So, what is wrong with that? Well, there's nothing wrong with people
doing OK. But there is something wrong with the idea that the Lord's
house is a place for people who are <i>not that bad</i>, people who are pretty good.</blockquote>
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Read more at <a href="http://theworldsruined.blogspot.com/2012/09/church-or-clean-club.html" target="_blank">The World's Ruined</a>. <br />
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What do you think? Anything worth considering here? Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785767772171855400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176368985949498797.post-49620460385460381392012-09-20T16:54:00.000-07:002012-09-20T16:54:06.443-07:00Bunny Birthday <div style="text-align: center;">
Last weekend was Elizabeth's 8th birthday and we celebrated with a bunny party.</div>
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There's something about having a bunny party that begs for puns. </div>
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I am trying.so.hard.to.resist.</div>
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<i> <span style="font-size: x-small;">hoppy hoppy birthday to some bunny special</span></i> <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">come on over hair and nibble...</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">OK, I'm done.<i> </i></span></div>
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We decorated with bunny and carrot garland and</div>
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white tissue paper pom poms (bunny tails?).</div>
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Elizabeth has loved bunnies for a long time and saved up to buy one. </div>
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We bought her the other one (sisters, no babies!) and all the gear for her birthday.</div>
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The girls had a great time getting to know Sunny and Snowy. </div>
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Since it was a pool/ice cream sundae/bunny party, we had all the activities outside in the backyard. </div>
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Each girl received a pendant necklace with her first initial. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3v56pV15d-o/UFufie5akfI/AAAAAAAABuc/3YsoCTVWYaY/s1600/IMG_5500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3v56pV15d-o/UFufie5akfI/AAAAAAAABuc/3YsoCTVWYaY/s640/IMG_5500.JPG" width="640" /> </a>Of course, Annie's Bunny Grahams...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9T6fs76DZ0g/UFugHPVjJUI/AAAAAAAABus/TunWGOr4NWU/s1600/IMG_5507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9T6fs76DZ0g/UFugHPVjJUI/AAAAAAAABus/TunWGOr4NWU/s640/IMG_5507.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm so thankful for my daughter's wonderful friends.</div>
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And here's 3 year old Elizabeth with Annie, her most beloved bunny since infancy.</div>
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She's come a long way! </div>
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Hoppy Birthday, Honey-Bunny!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(sorry. loss of self control.) </span></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785767772171855400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176368985949498797.post-28094992965311464772012-09-15T21:45:00.000-07:002012-09-15T21:45:38.956-07:00Quiet Moment<div style="text-align: center;">
This summer we visited the Oregon coast and took the time </div>
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to watch the waves (and the whales!), walk the beach, and play in the sand.</div>
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Elizabeth especially loved exploring the tide pools and climbing high ...</div>
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gazing far ...</div>
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feeling the wind in her hair ...</div>
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<br />and exploring.</div>
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I love to see that girl finding a quiet moment, all by herself, </div>
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and breathing deeply the beautiful world.</div>
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And my attempt to remember some of these fleeting moments ...</div>
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785767772171855400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176368985949498797.post-58161343076300612042012-08-31T22:48:00.000-07:002012-09-03T08:24:12.503-07:00Today's Project<div style="text-align: center;">
Someday, maybe I'll write a hectic, jam-packed post about all the goings on of the last several months, with reflective bits about my conflicted experience of online activity, and sweet bits about how the children have grown, and all kinds of other bits about spring and summer, rest and travel and school and . . . .</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QGnZPBJCN-s/UEGexOQAMXI/AAAAAAAABrM/UcEP9ZLz1_E/s1600/IMG_5428.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QGnZPBJCN-s/UEGexOQAMXI/AAAAAAAABrM/UcEP9ZLz1_E/s640/IMG_5428.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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But, honestly, at this point all that catch-up and explanation is just creating a giant writer's block.</div>
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So, I'll just share today's project.</div>
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May you know the abiding peace that comes with believing ~</div>
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<i>The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end.</i></div>
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<i>Lamentations 3:22</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Inspiration for this project came from <a href="http://www.danatanamachi.com/chalk/" target="_blank">Dana Tanamachi's</a> amazing chalk creations.</span><i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i></div>
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14785767772171855400noreply@blogger.com5