The Age of Exploration

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. -- Pablo Picasso 

I'd like to believe that Lola has two very creative parents. Parents who see creativity as freedom of self expression, a moment to step beside one's self, to think outside of the box, to step closer to who it is we are meant to be. We think the arts are just as important as all the maths, sciences, and literary pieces in the world. We want to raise our child as a well rounded one, able and anxious about exploring new mediums and styles, subjects and topics, allowing her to choose whichever path makes her feel most alive.

I've been wanting to take Lola to Art Beast, a local art studio tailored for children ages six and under. I've heard nothing but wonderful things about this place. Local parents rave about how much fun their child(ren) have, adding extra emphasis on the extended naps they take when they get home.

Lola was a little shy at first, keeping close watch on the others from the dress-up room's stage. She seemed unsure, frightened even. She was still, examining the way the other children played, eventually feeling comfortable enough to interact with them. She watched carefully as a little boy ran around the room wearing the knight's horse costume. She studied him, or should I say his horse, watching as he galloped proudly in and out of the castle, waiting for her chance to try it on. I was amazed she was even interested in wearing a costume, but she did and she wore it proudly!

She doodled with chalk, strung vibrantly colored beads onto fuzzy pipe cleaners, and made a mess with the moon dough. She had a good time exploring and the mess, well it really didn't matter because I didn't have to clean it up!

 She dabbled in paint, allowing her brush to be her tool to create the beautiful masterpieces which flowed over large pieces of paper. She used her imagination in the play house, feeding twin baby dolls eggs and bologna, giving them milk and eventually putting them to bed. A little mommy in the making!

She splashed in the outdoor water section, filling buckets, pots, and pails with funnels and small espresso cups.

 And once we made the short walk home, had lunch, and rested for a bit, we were tempted by the beauty that is Spring. We packed the bag of park goodies, snacks, chalk, and bubbles, and spent the rest of the afternoon shaded by maple trees, cooled by Delta's breeze, and loved by one another. Lola continued creating masterpieces, gravitating towards the new big bright pieces of chalk she received for her birthday from her great-grandma, unknowingly creating the wonderfully chalky legs and bum masterpieces that I love so much!

Thanks for the new chalk, Great Grandma Van Tatenhove! Love you!

 Ah, the age of exploration!

Autumn Window

The sun has finally set on my Autumn window. It is officially time to transport the lovely array of mama-and-little chicken-do-it-yourself -creations to it's final resting place. And though I am finding it hard to dispose of such sentimental pieces of art, I know that the spirit of Christmas will influence my inner Martha Stewart to whip up some new fabulous flair. I'll once again be able to kiss my fingers, wave my hand in the air and shout "Viola! That's how it's done!" And though I am infatuated with the season and the things it brings - cooler weather, lots of family and friends, and the never-ending competition to see who can re-fashion Thanksgiving leftovers into tasty new concoctions- I'm ready to dive into the Christmas spirit.

I'm thrilled about picking out a tree, hanging snowflake garland, and putting up our stockings, transforming our little apartment into a wintery wonderland (on a budget, of course!). I'm anxious to indulge in peppermint bark and sip from big mugs filled with cocoa. I'm curious about making homemade marshmallows and wondering if I'm courageous enough to confront the task. I'm excited about our holiday travels. I'm even more excited to see old friends and their beautiful little additions.

I want to make this a memorable season for our family. I want Lola to look back on photos and videos of our Christmases and see the magic that I'm envisioning.

So good-bye to you Autumn window, resting place for pumpkins clothed in stickers and many a layer of paint and varnish! Good-bye to you Autumn window, where pipe cleaners are regularly worn as accessories! Good-bye to you Autumn window, safe haven to the only butternut squash I've ever enjoyed! Good-bye to you Autumn window, keeper of hand-and-foot printed turkeys!

You've made your mark Autumn window. You have been the embodiment of love and joy and creativity. You have done me proud!

Bring it on, paint!

I always feel like I don't know what I can and can't do with Lola as far as art projects go. I was reading Kelle Hampton's, "October" post and was inspired!

Something beautiful happens when Lola paints. It could be how animated she becomes or the eardrum busting sounds of excitement that come spewing out of her little mouth. Or it could be all of the above, embraced by the sweet arms of innocence.

 Painting with Lola is a hassle, I'm not going to lie. She gets paint everywhere and I have to keep an extra careful eye on Miss Sneaky because she always, always, always tries to eat the paint. It is a challenge for me to let go of the reins and get in the back seat when art time rolls around. But allowing Lola to go wild and explore her  independence with the medium is the only way she will truly grow with confidence. Her painting skills and control with the brush have really improved and she is showing promising signs of being the next Georgia O'Keefe! And in setting her free, something truly magical is bound to happened every time.

 Like I said, Miss Sneaky! 
Yes, I decided to snap the photo rather than stop her.

These are the same big browns she gives me every time it's time to clean up.

After a good coat of varnish and the twist of some green pipe cleaners...the finished product!