give me texas wisdom

10 years ago today

2011-09-11T15:31:00.003-05:00

I cannot believe what happened today. It still feels like some elaborate joke. Terrorists hijacked 4 planes in the US. 2 planes hit the world trade towers in New York City, 1 plane crashed into the Pentagon in Washington D.C., and one other plane crashed in a forest in Pennsylvania. That plane may have been headed for the White House or the Capitol, but CNN isn't sure right now.

I can't believe this. It is too surreal. I don't know whether to throw up or cry. When I was watching the plane hit the tower over and over again, I felt like I was witnessing the end of the world or the start of the apocalypse. It's so scary and I really don't know how to describe it. CNN said that over 50,000 people work at the Trade Center. Did all of those people die? What is going on?!?

I wish I was at home or at least didn't have to go to work tomorrow so I could stay up and watch CNN all night. Is this the start of WWIII?

Before I came here I used to think about what would happen if there was a world war and I was over here. Now is it going to come true? I feel so guilty about now being in the US right now. I just want to go home.

-from my Slovakia journal on September 11, 2001.

The Next New Thing

2011-07-14T20:16:00.005-05:00

Alright, so a few weeks ago it was Dr. Amen. Today it's P90X.

Here's the thing. I understand how to lose weight... I think most everyone does. We all need to eat less and move more. But if it were really that simple America would not be caught up in an obesity epidemic. And we are, people. We're fat and we're getting fatter.

So how did I get sucked into the P90X cult? Well, I met a new friend who is a Beachbody Coach. I intentionally set my mind against wanting to sign up for anything he was selling because I wanted to be his friend, not his client. Plus, I'm stubborn like that. No, I haven't read the Harry Potter series and I refuse to in the future... just because everyone else has and I don't want to be like everybody else.

The thing is, my friend never tried to sell me anything. It was me who asked all the questions, wanted to know what he ate, how often he worked out. I guess my subconscious was telling me I didn't have all the answers, that the 7lbs I had lost in 6 months isn't the pace I wanted, and that there might be something to this after all. So I bought into it. Literally- bought. Not. Cheap.

The package came today and I will start my 90 day journey tomorrow. I will work out every day for 90 days (the one rest day per week I will be doing a stretch work out.) I will eat 1800 cals a day, but burn off about 600 per workout, so my net cals will be 1200 like usual. I ordered a shake program to have for breakfast each day, and it is supposed to have a lot of great benefits other than losing weight. I'm hoping it aids in digestion like it claims. (Anyone who has had his/her gallbladder removed knows how iffy digestion can be afterward.) I took "before" photos in my bikini that I will never ever show anyone ever ever. I also put up my scale; I'm not weighing myself again for 30 days.

The reason I am excited about this program is that I know it will be a challenge. Everyone I have talked to says it is hard as hell. But looking back in the past when I have lost a lot of weight, this is exactly what I needed. In high school I maintained because I had soccer practice 4 times a week and games on Friday. (For those of you who don't know, the average player runs anywhere from 4 to 10 miles a game.) When I was in Slovakia (other than walking everywhere) I took pilates for an hour two times a week and dropped 30 lbs. About 5 years ago I hired a trainer who made me cry and dropped the 30 lbs I had gained back after Slovakia. Now it's time to drop the 30 lbs I gained back after the trainer.

There's a community to this as well, and once school starts I will be working out with other Club Beachbody peeps in The Colony. So the support is in place... now all I have to do is press play.

Night Eating Syndrome

2011-07-10T18:19:00.004-05:00

I finally have a name for what has been plaguing me since college! Night Eating Syndrome.

I know this must sound funny- just stop eating at night- but it's not that simple. I don't just eat at night. I wake up in the middle of the night- STARVING- and I feel like I can't go back to sleep until I eat something. I try to eat healthily when I get up, but unfortunately all I crave are carbs. This syndrome is the number one reason why I don't keep cereal in the house; I will wake up and have a bowl (or two) every night. I know because it happened for almost a straight year in college.

I woke up and ate again last night, and after seeing a gain on my scale after working out twice a day for a week, I just about gave up. But then I realized even though I had been keeping my net calories to (around) 1200 a day and logging everything I ate, I hadn't really been logging what I ate in the middle of the night.

To give you an example, early this morning I ate three corn tortillas with margarine and jam... 372 calories worth. Add the 3 scrambled eggs I ate at 2am before I went to bed, and half of my daily calories are gone before I woke up for the day. No wonder I'm not losing weight... not to mention what this disorder is doing to my quality of sleep.

I went online and found some ideas on how to hopefully curb this: Make sure to eat breakfast, limit caffeine and alcohol, schedule specific times for meals and snacks, and try to talk yourself out of getting out of bed. Breathing exercises... all that. I'll be taking melatonin, too.

If you are not hungry in the mornings, can go almost all day without eating and then eat almost all your daily calories at/after dinner, you may have Night Eating Syndrome like me. It runs in families (my mom has it) and a large percent of sufferers also have some sort of anxiety/depression disorder (both mom and me.) It also comes out/worsens with stress... which is all of us.

For more info and a book, go to this CBS News link.

And if you or someone you know is dealing with this, please let me know!

Come paint with me at Michaels (Lewisville)

2011-07-08T22:00:00.013-05:00

***If you know you want to take my class and you'd rather not read all this, simply call the Michaels Lewisville store at (972) 316-0837. Tell them you want to sign up for a painting class, and they'll hook you up! If you want more information, keep reading.***

This past spring an educational coordinator for Grumbacher sent an email asking if I would be interested in teaching painting classes at Michaels. I jumped on board because I am always looking for ways to make some extra money, plus I think exposing the community to art is essential if we want art education to remain in our public schools.

Tonight I taught my first class and had a really good time. I didn't have as much of a chance to fully complete the demonstration painting because I was so involved in helping everyone else, but this is it anyway:

Landscape Lesson Plan: "Live Oak Lane"

I've had a number of friends ask for more information about the classes, so here's the scoop.

Many Michaels stores around the country offer painting classes from a Grumbacher instructor. Grumbacher is an American art supply company that has been around since the early 1900's. I have Grumbacher oil paints from college that are still good and I still use (11 years later.) Quality stuff.

If you are interested in signing up for a painting class, go here to find a class by state and city. If you are looking for me, click on TX_Lewisville, hit search, and my schedule will pop up. You can then click on any of the classes to see the store address, phone number, curriculum, etc.

There are four categories offered- Floral, Landscape, Seascape, and Still Life- and multiple lesson plans for each category. I like to rotate through the categories and allow my students to pick which lesson to complete, but every instructor is different.

Once you have decided which class(es) you want to take, download the class syllabus from the same calendar page. The syllabus will have general information, class information, and a supply list. Take the syllabus to the Michaels store where your class is offered and an associate will help you find your supplies and sign you up for the class. The classes are $25 per person per class and the supplies are a one-time cost of $49.99. A Michaels 40% off coupon (found here or in the sunday paper) can be used to bring the cost of the supplies down to $29.99.

Here's what comes in the kit:

3 fl oz. tube Academy Acrylic Titanium White

3 fl oz. tube Academy Acrylic Cad Red Light

3 fl oz. tube Academy Acrylic Ultramarine Blue

3 fl oz. tube Academy Acrylic Cad Yellow Medium 014173351258

Bristlette Round #2 Brush

Bristlette Filbert #8 Brush

Grumbacher Small Painting Knife

MacPhersons 9x12 Canvas Board (2)

After that, you just show up! In two hours you will leave with a painting like these:

And again, if this seems like a lot, simply call the Michaels Lewisville store at (972) 316-0837. Tell them you want to sign up for a painting class, and they'll help you out. Feel free to ask questions (by commenting on this post) and I will get back to you. Children 7 and up are welcome, but a parent must be in the class at all times.

Come paint with me!

A couple of weeks later

2011-07-07T22:53:00.007-05:00

I went ahead and cancelled my Amen subscription... not because I didn't think it was helpful, but because there is no way I'm paying $30 a month basically for a service I get already on CalorieKing. But I did learn a few things and have put them into place, so I thought I'd share.

1. Take your vitamins.

I do this already- I take a multivitamin- but I've supplemented it with more vitamin D. Some studies have shown a link to insufficient D levels and depression. Since I am already prone to depression and anxiety, I jumped on board. The specific pill I take mixes vitamin D with fish oil- which we all need- but I specifically need it because I have ridiculously dry skin/hair.

2. Slow down.

Tell a teacher to slow down when eating lunch and you're likely to get a spork in the eye. But now that it's summer, I really need to. I've been trying to take my time when it comes to food- observing it, noticing the colors and smells, chewing sufficiently, and putting my utensils down in-between bites. I also need to stop eating in front of the TV, but one thing at a time.

3. Step away from the computer.

The whole idea of Amen's program is to take care of your brain. Forget "This is your brain on drugs." Replace it with "This is your brain on computers/TV/your smart phone." Am I addicted to technology? I don't know, but I will tell you that I spend an EXORBITANT amount of time on my iPhone. I must check my e-mail, Facebook, and WWF 50 times a day... or more. (As a matter of fact, I'm going to tally tomorrow and see what the real number is.) Anyway, I am doing my best to limit my TV time. Computer will come next, then the phone. Baby steps.

4. Exercise.

Like, every day.

Every.

Day.

5. Sleep.

This is probably my favorite one. I love to sleep. While some people are ok with 6 or 7 hours sleep, I could easily sleep 13 hours a night, every night. I really think my needs are up around 9 hours, so I am making sure I get at least that. We'll see what happens when school starts.

There are others- mainly about what I am putting into my body. I am cooking with coconut oil instead of margarine. I'm eating organic. I've cut out almost all diet drinks, but I wasn't a big soda drinker anyway. I've discovered stevia, which is a plant that sweetens without jacking with a person's blood sugar. I try to eat a rainbow of colors every meal- berries for dessert to get in blue and purple- and I really like vanilla almond milk.

So, is it working? Have I lost a ton of weight? No, not yet, but I know I'm healthier when I put these things in place. It's all about taking better care of myself so that I can be better for others. :)

A New Journey

2011-06-17T01:59:00.004-05:00

So, I'm starting on a new journey. Thanks, PBS midnight infomercial.

I had already read one of Dr. Amen's books, so seeing him on TV talking about weight intrigued me. The book I read (well, mostly read) was called, "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life." Amen's new book is "Change Your Brain, Change Your Body." I'm fascinated with the human brain and I've been trying to lose weight for, oh, about thirty years now, so of course I was hooked.

Now, this blog post is not a commercial for Amen. He's trying to sell you stuff just like the next guy. The site is full of supplements and books and memberships and whatnot. My $1 trial will only last until 2 weeks when they start charging me $30 a month to use the site.

BUT (and this is a big one) I have been preaching for years that a certain family member will not be able to beat his addiction without getting to the root of the problem. He has to change his thinking - change his brain - or he will continue with old habits. Yet, when it comes to my physical health, have I taken my own advice? Not in the slightest.

I know cognitive therapy works. I use it to fight my depression and anxiety. And that's basically the gist of Amen's program from what I can tell. Cognitive therapy, understanding nutrition, and keeping your brain healthy. That last part is what I am particularly excited about.

The site has all these games to train the brain. I've downloaded three to my iPhone already. If I am looking to kill time I would much rather do relaxation or memory exercises than play hanging with friends (sorry all the people I am playing hanging with- I'm losing anyway because apparently my brain sucks.)

Anyway, I am excited about this new journey. I saw my grandmother suffer from Alzheimers. I want to be able to teach my father how to train his brain and possibly prevent that. I want to be mentally capable my entire life. And if a hot body just happens to come with a healthy brain, I'll take it.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Children

2011-05-20T19:00:00.003-05:00

This is going to be a serious post, so if you're looking for a laugh just click "education" over there on the right.

I will be 33 this summer and I have no children. Sometimes this makes me very, very sad.

When I was younger my mom told me a story. When my mom found out her mother was 29 when she had her first child, my mom said to herself, "There is no way I am going to be 29 when I have my first child." And she was right- she was 30 when she had me.

The moral of the story is never to tell God how he should direct your life. Still, when my mother told me this story I thought to myself, "Well, I'm different. I am definitely not going to be 30 when I have my first child." And again... I was right.

I refuse to tell my future children that story. And I sit and cringe when I hear my students planning out their lives. "I'll get married around 25 and start having kids at 27..." Yeah, I thought so, too. Life is rarely what you plan, kids.

My life is definitely not what I planned. I never thought I would be single, with no children, living in an apartment at 32. But I also never thought I would be a teacher who absolutely loves her job. I never thought I would have been a missionary to Slovakia of all places. I never thought I would get to travel throughout Europe and have so many international friends. I never thought God would bring me closer to him not by obeying rules or attending church but by relying on him in times of extreme pain, illness, and heartache. But he has. God has been faithful and has brought me through my life thus far.

So with that, I will trust that God has a plan for me. I will remember this every time another friend gets pregnant or has a child. God has a plan for me.

Keep Breathing

2011-04-10T19:17:00.004-05:00

The storm is coming but i don't mind.
People are dying, i close my blinds.

All that i know is i'm breathing now.

I want to change the world...instead i sleep.
I want to believe in more than you and me.

But all that i know is i'm breathing.
All i can do is keep breathing.
All we can do is keep breathing now.

All that i know is i'm breathing.
All i can do is keep breathing.
All we can do is keep breathing now.

All we can do is keep breathing
All we can do is keep breathing
All we can do is keep breathing
All we can do is keep breathing.
All we can do is keep breathing now.

Keep Breathing, Ingrid Michaelson, 2003

The Trash Room

2011-04-03T16:30:00.002-05:00

Dear fellow neighbors at my apartment complex,

The trash room is for stepping into before throwing your trash down the chute. It is not a room for you to throw your trash, although I know the label on the door is confusing. What you are doing is equivalent to walking into the mail room and throwing your mail on the floor, expecting someone else to stick it in the mail slot. Your mail would never get mailed... however, magically, your trash does in fact make it down the chute. Maybe our rent wouldn't be so high if the complex didn't have to pay someone to clean up after you. Just a thought.

Love,

Ms. Nelson

Unprocrastination day

2011-03-20T13:24:00.002-05:00

Today is my unprocrastination day. It is the day where I will attempt to accomplish all those things I have procrastinated doing over the EIGHT other days of spring break. Blogging was not in the day, but I refuse to call blogging procrastinating. My lunch is cooking, so this is multi-tasking. :)

The idea of unprocrastination day came from the April issue of Real Simple, my most favorite magazine in the entire universe. The bf got me a subscription for Christmas because he loves me and listens to me... when I complain about not getting the magazine from my secret santa at work when I SPECIFICALLY wrote it on the sheet and underlined it. Twice. But I digress.

Anyway, I have scheduled my entire day. And while the list of tasks I have seems daunting (at least to me), when looking it over I realized all these tasks mean I am immensely blessed.

Going to church means I live in a country where I am free to worship the god I choose.

Washing dishes means I have food to eat.

Having an electric diswasher wash them for me is just ridiculous.

Washing multiple loads of laundry means I have plenty of clothes to wear.

Researching for my graduate paper means I have an education.

Grading papers and writing lesson plans means I have a job.

Paying rent and putting in a service request means I have a place to live and people to help me keep up my home.

Taking out the disgusting, smelly cat litter means I have two animals who I love and sometimes love me back.

It also means I have the money to take care of two animals.

Painting a portrait of a dog means that people think I am talented enough... to pay me to paint their dog.

Preparing a print of one of my latest works means someone wants to own my art.

My to-do list means I'm blessed.

5 Hobbies in a Hat

2011-02-06T17:04:00.003-06:00

I don't talk a lot about my boyfriend on here (intentionally) but he really is very good for me. Something he suggested earlier (along with blowing up the TV) really stuck with me.

Aaron was curious what would happen if I took a week and, instead of watching TV, I took that time and really threw myself into something. He asked me if there was something I have never tried before that I really wanted to do. Well, not that I can think of... but there are things I used to do that I have been putting on the back burner.

Because of this, Aaron suggested I write down 5 of my long-lost hobbies and put them in a hat. I will pick one and then for the next week I will focus all my free time on that hobby. No TV. Probably no Facebook. Limited Words with Friends.

Ok, so my 5 "hobbies" are: Creating my own art, working out, scrapbooking, reading, and organizing my living space. Sure, you can say working out and organizing really aren't hobbies, but I need both! Blogging is a hobby, too, but I've been doing well with it this year.

And the winner is...

Reading! It's going to be a peaceful week. :)

I'm blowing up my TV.

2011-02-06T16:43:00.003-06:00

It all started with a statement from my boyfriend. "I just wonder what would happen if you blew up your TV."

We were talking today and he mentioned (like he has a few times before) it concerns him I don't seem to have a hobby. Sure, I paint, but I am always doing that either for a class or because I've been commissioned. I don't work on my own art. I like to read but I never do except for my Bible a little before bed. I scrapbook but my supplies have been in the closet for years. I like to sing but I'm not in a choir anymore. I actually would like to get my apartment organized and get in shape but I can't seem to find the time.

Well, God dropped plenty of time into my lap this week (4 snow days to be exact) and do you know what I did with them? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I sat on my couch and watched TV. Not what was on the TiVo... no, I got through that in half a day. I watched LIVE TV. The kind where you can't fast forward through the commercials. I never do that. But given 4 days inside that is exactly what I did.

Here are the things I needed to do: Take down Christmas decorations, clean apartment, wash laundry, wash dishes, finish a painting, start another painting, write lesson plans, and research topics for my Master's paper.

I took down my tree and washed some clothes and dishes. Oh, and I baked a cake.

So today when Aaron made his comment I could not be more on board. I'm starting tonight. I don't care that it's the Super Bowl and that it's in town. The Cowboys aren't playing and the best commercials are always online the next day anyway. My TiVo will catch Glee. I have work to do.

Skripper

2011-02-02T20:05:00.004-06:00

I learned a new word last week.

The #1 reason to remove all receipts before bringing bags to school for the students' clay project:

2011-01-21T19:21:00.005-06:00

Before you ask, yes, a student found it. I threw the entire staff under the bus and said all the teachers had donated bags. Then I reminded the students that most of the staff are married... and they are being responsible adults by protecting themselves.

Resolution 2011: Do Less

2011-01-02T14:15:00.012-06:00

I've been gone a while but now I am back. Hello again.

The sermon today (like many days) particularly hit home. Our pastor challenged us to do less. The three specific challenges were 1) Worry less, 2) Stop trying to please God, and 3) Do less. Number two may sound confusing, but when we break it down... God sees Christ when he looks at us. He doesn't love us more when we do good deeds, just like he doesn't love us less when we sin. Our good works do not get us into Heaven, and our sins do not send us to hell.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (New International Version)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

Or...

Ephesians 2:8-9 (The Message)
Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It's God's gift from start to finish! We don't play the major role. If we did, we'd probably go around bragging that we'd done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.

The reason the "do less" sermon impacts me is because I am not comfortable being still. I become anxious when I am not busy. I think I fill my life with activity to keep my mind "busy" and not worry. A therapist once reminded me that we are human beings, not human "doings."

All this "busyness" is not healthy. It has brought me worry and pain. I have neglected family and friends because of it. I am spread so thin that I cannot do anything to the best of my ability. I often think of the art I could create if I committed to painting full-time. I have made the comment that I would be a better teacher if I wasn't in graduate school... to become a better teacher! It doesn't make sense.

2 Thessalonians 3:11 (New American Standard Bible)
For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.

So this year, instead of tacking on more, I am doing less.

Less worry
Less judgment
Less procrastination
Less alcohol
Less commitments (this is going to be tough)
Less TV
Less iPhone games
Less Facebook
Less high-sugar food
Less high-fat, high-cholesterol food
Less cussing
Less negativity
Less gossip
Less "busybody."

Child-driven Education

2010-09-12T20:28:00.002-05:00

Teachers: Take 18 minutes out of your conference period and watch this. Don't argue with me, just do it.

Child Nutrition

2010-09-01T19:57:00.007-05:00

According to this picture, we are feeding our children what, exactly?

Could have probably added a little orange to that yellow...

NYC

2010-08-12T22:34:00.005-05:00

Boston

2010-08-12T16:07:00.008-05:00

Hail to thee Bell High School, we love thee

2010-08-06T00:45:00.004-05:00

I spent most winter Friday nights playing soccer on that field. That hard, concrete, plastic turf field...

Art can save the world.

2010-07-25T02:37:00.000-05:00

Our one-sided education with the emphasis on knowledge has neglected those attributes of growth which are responsible for the development of the individual's sensibilities, for his spiritual life, as well as for his ability to live cooperatively in a society. The growing number of emotional and mental illnesses in this nation, the largest in any nation, as well as our inability to accept human beings first of all as human beings regardless of nationality, religion, race, creed or color, is a frightening sign and vividly points out that education so far has failed in one of its significant aims.... Art Education, introduced in the early years of childhood may well mean the difference between a flexible creative human being and one who, in spite of all learning, will not be able to apply it and will remain an individual who lacks inner resources and has difficulty in his relationship to the environment.
-Viktor Lowenfeld, 1957

I won something, again.

2010-07-22T20:49:00.003-05:00

Mr. Burns took home the John Weinkein Memorial Award #4 at the Visual Arts Society of Texas' 125-Mile Fine Art Exhibition on July 9 in Denton, TX. It's the equivalent of 17th place out of 40, but I got some chalk pastels out of the deal, so I am happy. :)

Artists- Scam Alert

2010-06-17T16:07:00.005-05:00

I just got an offer to buy three of my pieces totaling $1300. Needless to say I was ecstatic. I called my mom, I emailed my boyfriend, I waited for a reply from the buyer... and waited and waited. While I was waiting my rational and practical boyfriend did some searching and found out the buyer's email address has been flagged on Craigslist as a scammer. Awesome.

About that time my phone rings and a man named Michael calls to talk about the gallery. I was livid and tore into him.

I said, "I did a search of your email address and you came up flagged as a scammer."

"Really?"

"Yes. Can you prove to me you are not a scam artist?"

"I don't understand this word, 'scam artist.'"

"Ok, then can you tell me specifically where you saw my artwork?"

"Downtown."

"Downtown where?"

"On Pearl Street. The TVAA Gallery."

Knowing that was all on my website I said, "Can you tell me more about my paintings? You said you saw them the last time you were in the States. When was that?"

"I am looking at them right now."

In disbelief I say, "So you are in the gallery? Who is there with you?"

"No one. I am the sitter."

Then it all hits me. OH. NO.

"What was your name again?"

"Michael. I was calling to remind you that you are sitting at the TVAA Gallery tomorrow."

I could have died. I apologized over and over again, explained what a scammer is, why I was so upset, that I thought his name was Matthew and not Michael, and so on. The poor guy must think I am an absolute nutcase. (And he's not too far off.)

So anyway, don't trust either or these e-mails: matthew.joe1@yahoo.com or matthew.joe212@gmail.com. He's a SCAMMER. A scammer with good taste in art, but still a scammer.

Also, it's not enough to ask for money orders or cashier checks. Apparently there are many fake checks going around that banks WILL cash, only to hold you accountable later. I guess it's cash only, artists.

Awful. Just awful.

2010-06-16T21:42:00.004-05:00

She looks so happy, doesn't she?

I just watched about four minutes of TLC's "Toddlers and Tiaras" and I can't decide if I am sad, angry, or disgusted. Or appalled.

I thought for a second it might be alright when I heard a mother say something like, "To me it's not all about the money and the gowns- as long as [insert toddler's name here] is having fun." Cut to the next shot when her daughter is whining and crying on stage and she says to her afterward, "No, you did NOT do good up there! You will not get ANY prizes for acting like that!"

That poor little girl. She's being judged on beauty, swimsuit, and outfit choice at the age of TWO! And at this particular contest there were babies entered as small as 8 mos. At 8 mos. all babies can do is crap themselves.

But that's not the worst of it in my eyes. Some pageants require "Glitz Photography" where the picture of the child is airbrushed, turning them into creepy living dolls. This not just touch-ups (removing shine or a mole), this is completely changing the facial structure of your child! "No, honey, you're not pretty enough the way God made you. We need to Glitz you up."

Please tell me when THIS became acceptable.

I'm scared.

I won something.

2010-06-09T12:48:00.005-05:00

I always think it is winning to get into a show. It is. So I was happy just to have all three pieces I offered up selected for the Texas Visual Art Association's "Nostalgia" show. Here's more info:

Anywho, I found out last night that even better than just getting into a show is WINNING a show. No, I didn't receive the ever-elusive "Best-in-Show," but I did win first place, and I am happy for that. Here is the painting that won, one of my favorites, "Grasp."

No, not that one!

2010-05-25T11:34:00.010-05:00

I cannot begin to explain to you the amount of paint my students waste. No, this is not one of my students- I teach middle and high school- but it might as well be. I think the older students waste MORE than the little ones. Maybe it's because they have access to so many supplies. Next year I am considering locking up everything except for Blickrylic (read: cheapcrylic) red, blue, and yellow paint and one paintbrush. ONE.

Case in point- this morning. The students have been printmaking for the past two weeks, and now they are turning their prints into an abstract collage. One of the requirements is they draw or paint into their prints. I was hoping for this:

I am getting more like this:Even though the work is similar, this work is not one of my students'. It's work from a KINDERGARTNER.

Anyway, some students are incorporating handprints into the collage. Fine. This morning one student asked me where she could find the paint. Too lazy to get up and unlock the Blickrylic (why do I have that locked?) I told her to just use the smaller tubes of paint found in cabinets 7 and 8.

I should stop here and state that I was using the term "smaller tubes" as compared to the large bottles of Blickrylic. She misunderstood.

A few moments later I look over and she is squirting half a tube of watercolor onto her hands. Half a tube! I yell out, "NO! Not that one!" but it's too late. It's already all over her hands. She stamps them on her page and then proceeds to rinse the rest down the drain. I am not exaggerating when I say that the amount of paint she rinsed off could have been used on 25 paintings. At least.

But not all is lost. After I showed her the correct paint to use, she was more conservative. She squirted the paint onto her paintbrush from the tube instead of directly on her work like half of her classmates.

These are the same students who are furious when someone doesn't recycle.

Can we please try to conserve? I am still using the oils I purchased and used through college... over 10 years ago!!!

Clouds

2010-05-22T11:35:00.006-05:00

My boyfriend is getting a post-baccalaureate degree in meteorology. That means whenever there is a storm, he freaks out and runs down the street with camera in tow. Well, maybe not always, but he does like to get shots of clouds.

I make fun of him for this... and now I am turning into him.

I caught this cloud outside of a Walgreens last week. Aaron says it looks like the backside of the anvil (or anvils) of a big line or complex of thunderstorms. I say it looks like a title wave of Twix yogurt. You decide.

Riley

2010-05-09T13:21:00.006-05:00

I finished a commissioned Mother's Day portrait this week and was involved in surprising my friend with it. The experience was awesome. She cried she was so happy, and of course I was thrilled because I busted my butt on this and didn't want to let anyone down.

Here's the painting:
And here's a picture of the happy fam:
Good times. Phew!

Dear art student who thinks your work is perfect,

2010-04-20T11:06:00.001-05:00

Your poop does, in fact, stink.
Love,
Ms. Nelson

Give up the Funk

2010-04-13T21:31:00.004-05:00

My boyfriend's last name is "Funk." My kids know this, so every time he comes up in conversation (which would be every second of the day if they got their way) someone starts singing this. I may make it my theme song.

Bubba's Patio Critter Feeding Station

2010-04-11T14:52:00.004-05:00

My father in his old"er" age has decided to make pets of all the stray animals in the neighborhood. Here's a video of a possum and a pair of mated grey foxes. At the end the momma stuffs her mouth full of cornbread to bring home to her litter.

That's right- every night my dad makes cornbread for the foxes.

Sharing a classroom

2010-03-08T20:55:00.008-06:00

Every day at lunch I travel from the high school (my sweet, dear high school with my very own room) to the middle school where I share a room with the health teacher. Coach Frank is a great guy and he always leaves the room clean. I try my best to return the favor, but come on... I'm the art teacher.

Anyway, today I enter the room to find new posters on the wall. Posters made by the students. Posters all about... STDs.

Without further ado, please enjoy these slogans which I am sure every middle school student has memorized and will be repeating from now into eternity.

"Watch what you do or an STD will come for you!"

"Instead of of taking a chance, just keep it in yo pants!"

"Herpes does NOT match my outfit."

"If you give away your gift... you might risk syphilis."

"Gonorrhea is way worse than diarrhea."

And my favorite: "STD's will ruin your life, especially if you infect your wife."

Open the door to the house on that poster and you will find this:

Yeah, my kids didn't learn a thing about art today.

TBSI

2010-02-13T19:56:00.003-06:00

Part of being a teacher includes training. Lots and lots of training. But every once and awhile a graphic designer slips in a stock photo that makes the training much more enjoyable.

Please for you to enjoy a typical Texas student:

What's in a name?

2010-02-13T19:49:00.005-06:00

I never really understood why parents name their kids "John" if their last name is "Johnson," or "Tom" with "Thompson," and so on. But after watching the Opening Ceremonies last night, I see we're not the only country that does it.

Kappa Rappa Jamma

2010-02-13T19:33:00.004-06:00

My friend Katy has this video on her blog and I couldn't resist re-posting. Some people are surprised to learn that I was in a sorority, and the same goes with Junior League now. But I was, and I am proud of it! Even though I couldn't be that involved because I was a studio art major, Kappa was a blast. Good, good girls and good, good times. Here's a glimpse into being a Baylor Kappa 11 years after I pledged. (yikes.)

Sparrows

2010-02-10T21:04:00.004-06:00

So I have this fun little anxiety disorder. Actually, it's not fun at all. And at times it is not little, either. This week is one of those times.

Earlier tonight I was talking with my boyfriend and explaining that there are actually many Bible verses about anxiety. I was explaining that God knows every hair on our heads and that he cares for the birds and the flowers, so of course he will care for us. I couldn't remember the exact verses verbatim, but I told him about how I shouldn't worry about anything - what I am going to wear or what I am going to eat the next day. I told him God takes care of the sparrows.

Then he said maybe God sent me the sparrows to eat.

Your father knows what you need before you ask him. So do not worry, saying 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today's trouble is enough for today. (Matthew 6:8b, 31-34)

Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God's sight. But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:6-7)

Terrified

2010-01-26T19:50:00.010-06:00

Get ready for a very honest post.

I said something out loud a few days ago that stopped me in my tracks. I have always known it, but I have never said it out loud.

Sometimes I don't do what I want to do because I am terrified of what my Christian friends' reaction will be.

While to some this may sound wise, to others (or most) it sounds superficial. We live in a world that tells us not to care what others think, to be true to "yourself,"and to do what makes you happy. But as Christians we are taught to seek Christian counsel, be true to God, and do what makes God happy. Sometimes as a Christian doing what makes God happy doesn't make you happy at all... but you know it's right.

Then there are the gray areas; the areas where you aren't sure of God's will, or when your friends disagree with your interpretation. This is when I get terrified because, in all honesty, I think some of my friends are "better" than me... or "better Christians" than me.

Yep, I said it. Let's stop this down.

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A "BETTER" PERSON OR A "BETTER CHRISTIAN!" We are all sinners, and God loves us all the same no matter what. So to compare myself to others is just ridiculous. Yet I do it all the time.

With that said, I love and respect my friends very much. And I value my Christian friends' advice. They are called to hold me accountable - to remind me of God's Word - or if necessary, to tell me when they think I am making a mistake. This is what crushes me, because I never want to disappoint them. I want to make everyone happy all the time...

I think you can see where this is going. I am focusing on people instead of the Lord!

At the end of my life it's only going to be me and God. The same rule applies for every decision I make... my choices are between me and God and no. one. else. Like Sara Groves sings, "When I stand before the Lord I'll be standing alone. This journey is my own. Still, I want man's advice, and I need man's approval. But this journey is my own."

Christians, listen to your friends. But listen to your heart as well. Jesus is in there. :)

I bet this is just how James Cameron imagined it.

2010-01-19T22:21:00.004-06:00

By the way, AMC, your free passes don't make up for the fact that 15 minutes was tacked onto this already outrageously long movie while you changed bulbs.

Top Ten of the Last Ten

2010-01-10T21:01:00.005-06:00

I am totally copying my friend Elizabeth (who copied her friend) in posting these. I'm really hoping this decade will bring those life-changing events like, oh, I don't know... getting married and having kids. :)

In chronological order:

10. 2000 - Graduated with a BFA in Studio Art from Baylor

9. 2001-2002 - Spent a year teaching art and English in Tisovec, Slovakia, and traveling around Europe

8. 2003 - Moved to Lewisville and began working for animal health company as a graphic design coordinator

7. 2005 - Moved to Irving

6. 2005 - Spent two weeks in Slovakia with a stop through London

5. 2007 - Moved to Addison and started working downtown for an architecture firm

4. 2008 - Took a leap of faith, quit my job, and began substitute teaching

3. 2009 - Started graduate school at Texas Woman's University towards an MA in Art Education

2. 2009 - Completed a body of work (paintings) that have been shown in Dallas and Frisco

1. 2009 - Landed an art teaching position at a brand-new high school and moved to Frisco

It's been good... but I'm ready to move on. I like my 30's. :)

Art Con 5 Art

2010-01-10T18:59:00.002-06:00

I just realized I never posted the artwork I created for Art Con 5. Maybe it was because it went for $120 less than last year. Boo. :(

Here's the train.

Value

2010-01-10T18:47:00.003-06:00

As an assignment on Friday I had my high school Art I students draw the dreaded piece of crumpled paper. We are focusing on drawing realistically and I am really pushing value- otherwise known as the value scale or shading. None of the kids really liked the assignment, but they understood the point... I think. Anyway, half-way through I hear, "Ms. Nelson, now does my drawing have enough value?" and he holds this up:

Smart alec. No, seriously. This kid's name is Alec.

The last time my Cowboys won a playoff game...

2010-01-10T17:25:00.005-06:00

I was 18.

I had just finished my first semester at Baylor.

And the team we beat was...

The Minnesota Vikings. Oh yes.

Alright, here we go.

2010-01-03T21:11:00.002-06:00

Starting today I am available for portrait commissions. Please click here for more information.

Liam

2010-01-02T19:41:00.006-06:00

First painting of 2010.And here's dad and real Liam next to painting Liam. Thanks to the Bushwars for the commission!

Art Con 5

2009-12-14T22:32:00.005-06:00

As long as I own my red coat, I will be there year after year after year...

2009.

2008.

Introducing...

2009-12-11T00:54:00.007-06:00

www.carolynmnelson.com
A new site for a new year. So fresh and so clean.

Oh, that's bad.

2009-12-05T16:35:00.005-06:00

I'm a pretty visual person. (duh.) So when I hear "severe left lateral recess stenosis," my eyes glaze over. However, show me this and I get it.

Now, in case you're still lost, here's the MRI again with commentary.

I highly recommend

2009-12-02T12:35:00.003-06:00

The Death Star on Thanksgiving and Photoshop Photo Merge.

So much for boot camp

2009-11-17T19:50:00.002-06:00

So it turns out I have a herniated disk so severe that if I sneeze I could lose bladder function.

Not kidding.

Needless-to-say Boot Camp is out.

Dear SNL,

2009-11-17T19:47:00.003-06:00

I just finished watching Saturday's episode.
EPIC FAIL.
Not even Jon Bovi could save this one.
Love, Carolyn

P.S. Black Eyed Peas three times? Really?

Bloodwork and Boot Camp

2009-11-15T15:38:00.003-06:00

Frisco ISD has this great program where a teacher can fill out some paperwork, have blood drawn, and then a couple of weeks later get a fitness profile in the mail. It's offered every year and it's free.

I got my profile in the mail yesterday and everything looks great. Everything except for the fact that I don't exercise. Like, AT ALL. And that puts me into all these fun categories like being more at risk for cancer and back injury. I already have chronic back pain. So...

Welcome Boot Camp.

For the next 6 weeks, three times a week, I will be waking up at 4am to work out at 5am. That's right, FOUR AM. I have never woken up that early for anything, EVER. I mean, not even to pee.

So wish me luck. And from now on, if you call me after 8pm on a school night prepare to be defriended.

Real Dad and Green Dad

2009-11-13T22:17:00.002-06:00

Green Dad can be seen on the first floor of the City of Frisco Municipal Building. Real Dad can be seen in Colleyville.

Kettle Art Gallery Portfolio Review

2009-11-08T18:36:00.006-06:00

In case you weren't able to attend. A BIG THANK YOU for those who did. My accepted piece is behind me, lower left.

Portfolio Review: Opening Night from Cindy Chaffin on Vimeo.

Life Goals

2009-11-04T21:11:00.008-06:00

About five years back I joined a website to help me keep track of my daily calories. I was filling out my profile when I came upon this:

Life Goals: __________________________

I sat for a second, then wrote the first things that came to mind.
Get married, buy a house, raise good, Christian kids, and have my paintings shown in a gallery.

Let's see how I'm doing so far.

Get married... nope.
Buy a house... nope.
Raise good, Christian kids... nope.
Have my paintings shown in a gallery... check.

Presenting my Dallas juried art show debut. Portfolio Review.

JURORS STATEMENT
The jury was impressed with the sheer volume of artists who submitted work - 84 in total! Of 410 pieces reviewed, only 56 were accepted into the show. Many great works were passed by to accommodate both diversity and quality. Please know all works were reviewed thoroughly and we did the best we could with flat, computer generated versions of your work. The jury discussed each artists work and then we split up the 84 artists amongst ourselves to make individual comments. We have chosen to remain anonymous in our commentary and instead reflect back to you, the artists, the overall message of our opinions. Please keep in mind the jury is diverse and the show ultimately chosen is reflective of the jury and not necessarily Kettle. We didn't always agree amongst ourselves about the work, but did try to communicate the jury's opinion's as a whole in your individual comments. Great work everyone! This show runs through November 28, 2009.

P.S. Those other three life goals can just wait.

Art in the Atrium 4

2009-10-19T18:26:00.010-05:00

Four of my pieces have been selected for the 2009 Art in the Atrium Exhibition at Frisco City Hall.

This is my first juried show and I am really excited about it. They will hang in this beautiful limestone building for nine months! The dates are November 9, 2009 - August 27, 2010. And they're for sale, although I'm not sure how I feel about someone buying my mom, dad, or aunt...

Dear Middle School Parents

2009-10-15T20:13:00.004-05:00

Dear Middle School Parents,
You may not know this, but I used to be a sub. So when your kid acts up for my sub, your kid is getting detention. There's really not much more to it. How do I know it was your kid and not someone else's? Well, THE SUB TOLD ME.
Let me give you a little insight into the world of a substitute teacher. Subs don't have time to breathe. So the fact that my sub took the time to learn your child's name AND leave me a note about his behavior while still completing a PowerPoint over the Renaissance and Two-Point Perspective tells me your kid acted up. Plus, I could have assigned detention before I even hired the sub and I still would have been spot on with her "bad" list.
She didn't name the wrong kid. I'll see yours after school on Tuesday.
Love,
Ms. Nelson

Why I teach:

2009-10-05T20:16:00.004-05:00

so THIS is how I get cat hair in my purse

2009-09-30T22:46:00.003-05:00

Coolest shirt ever?

2009-09-29T23:24:00.003-05:00

Thanks to the nation of Japan and my student Eli for making our day.

Really, Frisco?

2009-09-29T23:20:00.002-05:00

My pledge sister is on TV.

2009-09-29T21:05:00.004-05:00

And thankfully it's not a reality show.

Lauren Przybyl is the new co-anchor of Fox4 Dallas' Good Day, replacing Megan Henderson. Stop crying, gentlemen.

Przybyl. Oh, it takes me back.

"Nelson, Nelson, Pelly, Perkins, Perry, Phillips, Presley, Price, Prince, Pruitt, Prysbyl, Robertson..."

Like a BOSS!

2009-09-27T23:40:00.005-05:00

So I'm sitting in class on Friday (middle school) and one of my kids asks if he is finished. They have gotten in the habit of asking me if their artwork is finished instead of just assuming; I almost always send them back to their desk to work some more. Friday was no exception. This particular student asked if he was finished, and I said, "No, you need to work on your values. I want darker darks and lighter lights." He goes back to his desk and says... I kid you not...

"Workin' on my values, like a BOSS!"

To which I say, not even thinking,

"Bomb the Russians, like a BOSS!"

Now I'm sure some of you are thinking, "What's the big deal? What's this boss stuff all about?" Yeah... well... it's a SNL Digital Short, and it is NOT classroom appropriate. Case in point:

Needless-to-say every 8th grader spins their head around and says, "Miss Nelson, you know "Like a Boss?" "You watch Saturday Night Live?" I wanted to scream that I have been watching SNL since before they were born, but I refrained. I hated it when my teachers said that.

Instead I just swallowed my pride... like a BOSS!

This is what happens when you work at two campuses but your email comes to the same inbox

2009-09-23T13:10:00.002-05:00

It's college week in Frisco ISD. Because of that, I am allowed to wear jeans today as long as I wear a college shirt. Check. Also, we are having a door decorating contest. Also check.

So what's the catch?

These are both at my HIGH SCHOOL ONLY and not for my middle school. I walked into my MS just now and realized I am the ONLY PERSON wearing jeans. I never see my principal... but today I ran smack into her. Awesome. Then it dawned on me why everyone has been commenting on me being a Baylor Bear... NO ONE ELSE decorated their door! Actually, that's not true. The other art teacher thought she had missed an email so she stayed after school and decorated hers as well. She's going to kill me.

Art's got spirit, yes we do, art's got spirit, how 'bout Carolyn pays closer attention to her emails next time?!?

F125

2009-09-22T19:11:00.009-05:00

Before:After:

360:

My view

2009-09-22T19:04:00.003-05:00

...on the way home each day. It's nice sometimes. :)

Sharing Supplies

2009-09-10T11:51:00.001-05:00

"Stop using my water! Spit on your brush if you have to!"

Again, kill me.

2009-09-10T09:35:00.002-05:00

High school Art I kid:

"No, he's old! He's like... 39!"

and

"My mom's only two years older than you."

Quotes from High School Art

2009-09-03T21:38:00.000-05:00

"Who's Paul McCartney?"

(Kill me.)

Quotes from Middle School Art

2009-09-03T21:04:00.005-05:00

After I praised a kid's drawing:

"I am the Donald Trump of art!"

After I explained that one of the forms in a kid's drawing looks as if it's floating above the table:

"My art defies the laws of physics!"

Harry Wong can shut up.

2009-08-30T20:32:00.006-05:00

Let me tell you what. Teaching is hard.

It's not that I don't understand it, or how to do it. It's just that it takes a ridiculous amount of effort to do it RIGHT. Harry Wong can shut up. I can "make my students do all the work" 'til the cows come home, but at the end of the school day there is still work to be done. Heck, at the end of the NIGHT there is still work to be done. The kids can't set up online gradebooks, sit through professional development meetings, and view IED's, Harry.

My poor friends. They care about me. They really do. And I feel bad. Because after coming down with the flu two weeks before school started (wish I was kidding), and then coming down with a bad case of inservice, I have dropped off the planet. For a girl who used to update this blog all the time, you'd think I was dead. I'm not. I'm just a teacher now.

If you think I am exaggerating, let me give you an idea of my daily schedule.

6am - alarm goes off
snooze
snooze
snooze
7am - get out of bed
7:15 - pull my hair back into the same ponytail I had it in yesterday
7:30 - find clothes that Downy Wrinkle Release can fix
7:35 - change shoes because there is no way I can wear heels all day
7:40 - run out the door, late
7:55 - grab coffee and lunch at 7-eleven
8:05 - unlock my classroom, dump everything
8:15 - meet with my mentor teacher
8:30 - check my mailbox, try not to jam the copier so all the other teachers hate me
8:40 - turn on my computer and check my work email. find at least 7 things I must accomplish before day's end
8:45 - 2 periods of HS art classes. as in teaching. as in demonstrations and classroom management. as in no time to even drink that coffee I bought at 7-Eleven
noon - clean up, set up for the next day, potty, grab my lunch and go
12:15 - drive to the middle school
12:25 - check my mailbox, try not to jam the copier so all the other teachers hate me
12:35 - eat lunch by myself in the teacher's lounge because my schedule is different than everyone else's
1:00 - unlock my classroom, dump everything, set up for class
1:15 - turn on my computer and check my work email. find at least 7 more things I must accomplish before day's end
1:23 - 3 periods of MS art classes. as in teaching. as in demonstrations and classroom management. as in no time to even sit down without a kid stabbing another.
3:55 - clean up
4:15 - meet with the other MS art teacher, because this is probably the first time I will have seen her for the day
4:30 (if I'm lucky) - go home

Where's my conference/planning period, you ask? Well, that is supposed to be between noon and 1:23. You know, that time when I am cleaning up my high school room, driving to the middle school, eating lunch, and setting up my middle school room (that is shared with Health.) I hope no parent wants to meet with me during the day unless they're cool seeing me choke down my Subway.

Now, as to not completely bore you, I won't go into all the work I do at home to prepare for the next day. This first week it was mostly just viewing and printing off paperwork until 10pm. I seriously have a 2 inch binder CRAMMED FULL of paperwork. If you think I'm ever going to fail a SPED kid, you're crazy.

Now for week two.

San Franfrisco

2009-08-09T14:51:00.005-05:00

Sorry for the blogging sabbatical. I'm off for the summer, so I don't have any good classroom stories to humor the masses. Plus I've been traveling.

I am now officially a Frisconian. Friscoite? Friscan? Not quite sure. Either way I have moved and am preparing for school. I feel like I've been packing and unpacking for a solid two weeks.

My apartment looks like this:

My classroom looks like this:
And school starts in two weeks. Good times.

The Hyatt on Eldorado

2009-07-16T21:14:00.003-05:00

"I think I'm gonna like it here!" ~Annie

omg i ♥ hhs

2009-07-15T16:46:00.004-05:00

I am sure that there are going to be days that I don't feel this way, but for now I heart HHS! My principal is so passionate about Heritage that he got choked up while speaking to us this morning. The theatre teacher wants to put on a production of "The Wiz." My fellow art teacher is a former illustrator who only has one lung after choking on a corn dog in 4th grade. So essentially, the Heritage Coyotes [ˈkī-ˌōts] are the true-to-life version of "Glee." We rock.

As for the photo, this is the #1 reason I want to teach: logo shirts. Every Friday for the rest of my career I have an outfit already planned thanks to the logo shirt. I ♥ you, logo shirt.

And oh yeah- I signed up for the spirit committee. That means I might even get two logo shirts.

Week Three

2009-07-13T22:14:00.004-05:00

The completion of Painting Theory and Development. 15 paintings in 15 days.

Signed, Sealed, and Delivered

2009-07-13T20:32:00.003-05:00

I've been waiting until it's official, and it's official. I've signed a contract.

I'm a teacher.

The Lord is good, people. I will be teaching art at a brand-new (and I mean brand-new, as in opening this Fall) high school in my FAVORITE school district and lil' city north of Dallas: Frisco. Praise Jesus for this opportunity, praise Jesus for my awesome new apartment, and praise Jesus that I will no longer be a financial burden on my parents! They may actually have a retirement now.

Have no fear kiddos, I will still be keeping up the blog and sharing stories of the classroom, just now they will be from MY classroom!

Stay tuned.

Scarytology

2009-06-28T20:18:00.007-05:00

Noticed the new set of "inspirational" commercials lately on A&E and CNN? You might have missed them since they sound a lot like Nike, or Gatorade, or maybe some other company like Dow who is trying to appeal to human emotions.

"You are not your name. You are not your job. You are not your fears. You are hope. You are a spirit that will never die. Know yourself. Know life."

Alright, whatever. It's the same spiel we've been hearing for ages. Look inside yourself. You have the power to move mountains. You are your own strength.

Listen up, and listen closely.

THIS IS ALL CRAP. Wanna know how I know? Here's the #1 clue: the commercial above was written for Scientology.org.

SCIENTOLOGY IS NOT A RELIGION. IT IS A CULT. You should never, EVER, have to pay any money WHATSOEVER to belong to a religion. You should never, EVER, belong to a religion that is shrouded in secrecy, and you should never, EVER, feel threatened to ask questions or leave a religion. If you belong to a church or religion right now that is pressuring you in any of these ways, please hear me out. Listen to my commercial.

I am not my name. I am a child of God. I am not my job. I have been blessed with talents and abilities so that I may serve Christ. I am not my fears. I cast my anxieties on Jesus. God is my hope. I am a spirit that will never die because of God's grace. I know myself, and I am a sinner. Because of Jesus, I will know eternal life.

No marketing campaign will ever change that.

Week Two

2009-06-25T00:07:00.002-05:00

This includes the completion of "Mom" and "Bruce." If you are only interested in new work, skip to the 1:00 mark.

Bruce

2009-06-17T22:51:00.005-05:00

This is less expressive than the others, but I am glad I dipped my hand in photo-realism... if just a tiny bit. The rest of the week will be more painterly.

"Bruce." Oil on canvas. Approx 8 hours.

Mom

2009-06-15T20:01:00.006-05:00

This week I am essentially working on a painting a day. I will go back on Friday to add some final touches, but this is day one.

On this day in 1969...

2009-06-14T21:16:00.004-05:00

...my parents were married! Happy 40th, Mom and Dad!

Week One

2009-06-13T15:56:00.002-05:00

This video shows the progression of my work in the first week of Painting Theory and Development. Five paintings total; approx. 25 hours of studio time.

Back to the Studio

2009-06-12T20:21:00.004-05:00

I just finished my first week of graduate-level Painting Theory and Development.

I feel that title is a bit vague, so instead I am going to call it Stand in front of a canvas and paint for six hours a day, every day, until you feel like you need a hip replacement at the age of thirty. Also, check your ego at the door.

Yes, SIFOACAPFSHADEDUYFLYNAHRATAOT/ACYEATD is much more comprehensive.

Sure it's been ten years since I've taken a studio class, but I really forgot how exhausting it is. Yesterday (only day 4 of 15, mind you) I was already over it. Seriously. I had to call a friend and have him talk me out of quitting right there. I am doing self-portraits right now, and I am so sick of myself that at home I don't even want to look in a mirror.

You know you're back in art school when on the first day your professor says,

"This class is six hours a day, but don't worry - the building is open 24/7 so you will have plenty of time to get your work done."

Right. Because we couldn't possibly accomplish anything worthy of a passing grade in the NINETY HOURS of allotted class time.

I'm off to a brilliant start, too. Today I worked four hours on a piece for the professor to essentially tell me I ruined it. Then he adds this tidbit,

"I appreciate your candor, but you really need to take an 20th Century art history class. It's pointless for me to reference artists when you don't know who they are."

Awesome.

Seriously?

2009-05-26T17:11:00.005-05:00

I was subbing for high school art today (I really want to do this?) and the kids were working on a cardboard sculpture. They had to cut out and paint a variety of shapes.

Well, this one student comes up to the table beside my desk and says, "Where's my shape?" I assumed he was just talking to himself until he said again, directed at me, "Where's my shape?" Confused because this was my first time EVER to sub for this class and the students are responsible for their own project, I just stared at him.

He continues, "It was here on Friday!" looking right at me.

This is where I should have just said, "I'm sorry, I wasn't your teacher on Friday," but I couldn't help myself. Instead I blurted, "How am I supposed to know?!?" He then asks me, "What color is it?"

SERIOUSLY?

Laundry

2009-05-24T12:14:00.009-05:00

I don't know what it is about fresh laundry... I'm sure the heat from the dryer has something to do with it, and I read somewhere that cats are obsessed with anything that doesn't smell like "home". (Case in point, Razzle with a sneaker.)

Well today was laundry day (laundry weekend), and as I started to fold I caught this.

Tough life this guy has. Really tough.

Chic N Unique

2009-05-24T12:00:00.005-05:00

This morning as I was driving to church I noticed something on my windshield. It must have been put on last night while I was making a run for popcorn... either that or someone broke into my garage just to advertise a salon. Either way, I'm glad turning on my wipers didn't work to remove it, because I would have missed out on this:

You think Khandie hit her target audience?

No Twitter, Just Flickr

2009-05-22T22:13:00.002-05:00

I'm a bit behind. No, you won't see a Give Me Texas Wisdom "tweet" anytime soon (hopefully, ever.) Instead, I've thrown a few pics on Flickr. Enjoy.

I am loved.

2009-05-21T16:31:00.004-05:00

I honestly cannot remember the last time I bought fresh produce. I haven't been to the store in ages. I haven't cooked anything other than Cup 'O Soup in ages. My freezer is empty. My refrigerator holds nothing but condiments.

So imagine my surprise when I came home from work today and found this on the cabinet, along with a note apologizing because Kroger didn't carry Double Shot Light.

I am loved.

Pretty Poison

2009-05-12T16:56:00.003-05:00

Oops. They only ate some leaves, so everything should be ok.

Thanks to http://cats.about.com/od/catsafety/ss/toxicplants_5.htm

To the Brim

2009-05-11T18:01:00.006-05:00

Martin's got a point.

2009-05-11T15:40:00.003-05:00

I'm sure he didn't forget his own heritage on purpose.

Important Things with Demetri Martin

Power - Creedocide

comedycentral.com

I bought these myself.

2009-05-09T16:56:00.002-05:00

Blue hydrangeas are my absolute favorite. Click on the speaker for an audio treat. I think this song goes really well with the classic beauty of these flowers.

Apparently I am Rockin Hip-Hoppin

2009-05-06T22:29:00.002-05:00

Overheard in a Middle School Library

2009-05-06T22:26:00.002-05:00

"If you were a book I would so check you out!"

My -ism

2009-05-02T16:49:00.006-05:00

I usually don't post things like this, but I could totally use this in the classroom. Which -ism are you?

You Are Romanticism

You are likely to see the world as it should be, not as it is.

You prefer to celebrate the great things people do... not the horrors they're capable of.

For you, there is nothing more inspiring than a great hero.

You believe that great art reflects the artist's imagination and true ideals.

What Art Movement Are You?

The swine flu owes me 40 bucks.

2009-04-29T22:08:00.002-05:00

Thanks to the pig cold my 1/2 day job has been canceled for tomorrow. All UIL events are canceled in the State of Texas? Ri-DONK-ulous.

Ri-OINK-ulous.

Channel 5 wants in, too.

2009-04-29T10:49:00.008-05:00

Romans 8:28, baby!

I'm wondering what Dad was thinking with the red bandanna and camouflage suspenders... but somehow God is using that for the good, too. ;)

28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Fox 4 Follows Up

2009-04-29T10:41:00.000-05:00

If you see Gretchie

2009-04-28T21:51:00.004-05:00

Yeah... click here for the whole story.

Big Box and Maru

2009-04-24T20:41:00.006-05:00

This made me smile and smile. I have a Maru of my own... but Razzle has about 10 lbs on her.

Razzle in her lighter days:Maru:

One Big Happy

2009-04-24T20:37:00.001-05:00