Teamwork!

Just as an author needs an illustrator, so does a teacher who's drawing abilities rival that of a 4 year old. That's where Wes comes in!  He is my live-in illustrator.  I often need to make models of activities that I want the kids to do and so, I write; he draws.  We're quite the team.  Check out his most recent masterpieces based on the story Silly Tilly.

p.s. This is a fantastically silly book with rhyming words, lovable characters and an important author's message.  Highly recommended!

I love the shades the goose is wearing in the bottom picture.  It's all good in this goose's hood. 

Sunday Morning Happiness

There's something about the quiet of Sunday mornings that makes me smile.  This particular Sunday morning I am inspired to blog about some other things that have made me smile recently...

Reading my favorite blog - A Cup of Jo.  I happily stumbled upon this blog a few years ago and have been hooked ever since!  It's a daily blog that covers everything from fashion to travel to parenting.  I've found so many great ideas from this blog - gifts (for myself and others :)), fun things to do while in NYC, interesting and easy recipes - this writer has quite the insiders perspective on all things lifestyle.

I've always had a slight obsession with this woman and her music.  There's something about her vulnerable confidence that intrigues me and the tone of her voice brings chills to my arms when I listen to her music.   Her most recent album is one of the best, in my opinion.  I literally CANNOT stop listening to this song...Just Give Me a Reason.  So, so good!

When Wes paints.  He's really talented.  My personal favorites are his black and white paintings...

I love the simplicity. 

Wes is currently working on a top-secret painting to be revealed soon. Stay tuned. :)

My kiddos working hard and enjoying it!  There's nothing better than when you teach a lesson, it goes really well, and the kids are able to turn around and demonstrate the skill on their own.  Here are some of them working together to ask "wondering questions" about their non-fiction reading. :)

 Hope you're having a HAPPY Sunday morning, too!

Canvases, Cocktails and Creativity, OH MY!

Wes surprised me with a creative night out in DC, at ArtJamz!  With paintbrushes in one hand and tasty brews in the other, we set out on a night of creative exploration (my favorite kind of exploring!)...

A little liquid inspiration, and then...

...we were ready to approach our blank canvases.

To work we went...

Time to speed up the drying process aaaaaaand...

TA-DA!

We're working on titles for our pieces.  I have mine narrowed down to the following:

• Route 66
• Hope after 66
• 66 gone splat