Celebrating Birthday Month (2)

If there is something that warms my heart more than seeing children read, I certainly can not think of it at the moment.

There was reading done in various spots during the day. Love that.

Celebrating Birthday Month (1)

As you might know, I celebrate my birthday month - a day is just not enough time to pack in all the fun.

Could not think of a better way to kick of this month than to spend it with some of my fave people doing some of my fave stuff.

The day included art in the park, long conversations, reading, and playing with my nephews and Babes. Oh, and did I mention Bear Claw? My fave ice-cream ever. Could not ask for a better start to the celebration.

Journal Page

I am fascinated by how cultures honor ancestors, and when I saw this statue was immediately drawn to it.

A quick journal page with ink, acrylic paint and pencil. I scraped and scrubbed the page to create the sense of an aged artifact.

(Click image to view larger).

Loving

Loving sailing season.
Loving re-watching Jackie Brown - such good story telling.
Loving that my nephews get on the phone to tell me about books they are reading.
Loving scheduling a play date with my nephews.
Loving good reads on my nook.
Loving early morning and sunset walks along the water.
Loving being startled when Old Ironsides fires her cannon.
Loving belly laughs and good conversation.
Loving summer.

Recent Reads

1. The Confessor
Picked up book three of the Gabriel Allon series - how can you not love the idea of a Mossad art restorer? An interesting read, and I learned more about the role of the Vatican during the Holocaust - something I sure did not learn about in Catholic school.

2. A Death in Vienna
This is book four, and the final book in the Holocaust trilogy featuring Gabriel Allon and I found it a fascinating and disturbing read. Like the earlier books in the series, I learned about things I had no idea about - in this case the role that Austrians had in the Holocaust. I love books that introduce me to a new way of thinking about a topic, and this trilogy did just that. Yes, we hear all about the Nazis, but what about the role of Swiss banks (book 1), the Vatican (book 2) and Austrians (book 3)?

3. Inkheart
I was introduced to this series by my nieces who love it. This is book one of the trilogy and it is quite a fun read, especially for those of us who love books and the worlds they create. The magic and power of reading is explored very creative ways.

4. Coraline: The Graphic Novel
I found the movie rather creepy, and have yet to read the book, but enjoyed this graphic novel. Really good story and the illustrations are fab.

5. Secret Daughter
You know that feeling you get that you have read a book before, but don't actually remember what comes next, so you keep reading? Well, have had that with several books lately - this being one. An interesting story about Indian families, adoption, identity and the burden of daughters. Have read several articles recently about the continued decline in girl birth rates in India and other Asian countries, and this story examines one example of what might happen when an unwanted girl is born in a culture that values boys/men over girls/women.

Element of childhood

In keeping with the sketchbook theme of ELEMENT this month, I captured this little toy who hangs out on our book shelves.

Toys are an element of childhood, though not just childhood anymore. Usually toys just get more expensive as one gets older.

Remember wooden toys? I have always loved them. In my opinion the lack of buttons and lights and beeps allowed my imagination to soar where I wanted. I was not constrained by all the bells and whistles of toys sold today. This little guy has been around for at least two generations of playtime. Love that.

Amy Winehouse

So sad to hear that Amy Winehouse is dead at 27. She had such talent and I love her music. I remember hearing Rehab for the first time while sitting in an outdoor cafe in Thailand.

Element of surprise

The sketchbook theme this month is ELEMENT. Well, I sure had the element of surprise today. I started out drawing a sea gull, and this is what I ended up with.

I took out my art bag and dived in. The page was created using pen, oil pastels, water-soluble oil pastels, acrylic paint, stencils and markers.

Baby it's HOT outside

In the midst of a heat wave in these parts - unusually warm for us. Temps around 104-107F - not fit for man or beast. Global warming? Am staying cool and catching up on some TV shows:

1. Battlestar Galactica
Started watching Season 1 recently - very low tech and strangely interesting.

2. Carnivale
Another strangely compelling series - just finished watching the first season last night. As a reviewer said, it is a cross between John Steinbeck and Stephen King. How could I resist that?

Recent Reads

I love graphic novels - they were called comics when I was a kid. I remember endless hours of pleasure reading the stories and looking at the illustrations, and wanted to expose my nieces and nephews to some of that joy. My nieces all have birthdays in a couple of weeks, so I read my way through several likely candidates to determine which ones I would send them. These are the ones that made the list:

1. The Stonekeeper
This is the first book of the four part Amulet series, and I love the story - has a strong girl character. I could loose myself for hours in the lush illustrations. I had not heard of the author before and will looking into more of his work. Fab.

2. The Stonekeeper's Curse
Book 2 of the Amulet series.

3. The Cloud Searchers
Book 3 of the Amulet series. Am looking forward to book 4 due out in September.

4. Flight Explorer (Vol 1)
Same author as above, but the book consists of shorter stories by different artists. A fun romp.

Some of the other books I read:
5. Still Missing
This books got great reviews and while I thought the writing was interesting, I did not love it. The story is a hard one to read - a woman gets abducted by a man and kept prisoner in an isolated cabin. Tough content, and the writing was not good enough to convey the material convincingly. Interesting twist in the end.

6. Artist to Artist
23 major illustrators talk to their kids about art. This book is a great read for young and old - anyone interested in the creative process of book illustration. Loved it.

Bibliotherapy

I just might have found my next career. I could be a bibliotherapist and help create a reading list and reading nook for people who want a reading vacation. So love this idea. Go read this post to get inspired.

Readers

I love meeting readers. I love hearing what they are currently reading. I love hearing about books they loved. Or how a book changed them. And how they pick their next read.

I am often asked how I find books for my TBR list. Here are some of the ways:

1. Talk to readers
2. Listen to podcasts about authors and books
3. Read the NYT book review
   
4. Amazon - they have one of the best search engines in the market, and I am a nook person so that is saying something!
   
5. I love Powells - both their store and website. I quite like the Puddly awards.
6. Book blogs
   

Today I attended a summer book reading list discussion at my library. Two librarians reviewed various books and handed out a list they would recommend. Had already heard of most of the books, but discovered some new ones to check out. Love that.

On a slightly different note, I recently learned that most avid readers read one of three genres - romance, mysteries and thrillers. That explains the huge romance selection of ebooks at the library - something that has baffled me for some time. Who knew?

Journaling with kids

As promised in this post, here are the pages we created in the park. The one above is how I captured the afternoon.

I love how Jonah spelled my name below the heart he drew for me. Check out how he captured those 3D holes on the top. Love Luke's imagination - so cool how he drew me floating on a red raft.

Recent Reads

1. I Remember Nothing
A mini book of essays, most of which are funny and entertaining.

2. High Crimes
As I continue to search for a good thriller, picked this one and honestly cannot understand the rave reviews. While an interesting idea, it was not well written and the characters were not flushed out. Skip it.

3. The Valley of Horses
Am currently hooked on the Earth's Children series, and am reading each of these 600+ page books in giant gulps. This is book 2, and while not as fab as the first book in the series is a fun escapist summer read.

4. The Mammoth Hunters
Am currently hooked on the Earth's Children series, and am reading each of these 600+ page books in giant gulps. I read book 2 and 3 back to back and realize that there is quite a bit of recapping which is a little annoying. Guess it would not have been an issue if I had read them when they were initially published years apart. This is book 3, and while not as fab as the first book in the series is a fun escapist summer read.

** Except for High Crimes, I read all of these on my new nook. My wrists are so happy, and I was able to read one 600+ page book after another without having to carry a bag of books with me everywhere I went. Love that.

Art in the park

Recently spent the day with my nephews and we went to the park for the afternoon.

Activities included a picnic, hunting for fish and frogs, art and ice cream. A perfect summer day. It warms my heart to see kids (or anyone) play creatively.

I'll post what they created after I scan their art.

Recent Movies

I don't really watch movies in theaters anymore - am so disappointed by most that I rarely bother. I catch up on my movies when they come out on DVD.

1. Rabbit Hole
Was delighted when I stumbled upon this movie. It is made for adults. No need for guns and explosions - at least on the outside. The human heart is capable of that all on its own. A beautifully told story about love and loss and family and comfort and forgiveness. Loved it.

2. Hereafter
With Clint Eastwood as director, I was looking forward to some good story telling. But he fell short on this one. Too choppy of a story and not compelling enough to hold one's interest.

3. Waiting for Superman
Loved this documentary. Found myself saying YES out loud often. A look at education and how the current system fails kids.

4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
The last book in the Harry Potter series was disappointing, and the movie is even worse. Too much focus on special effects and not enough story telling. What was with all that moody staring? And while the hairs on my neck stand up whenever Nagini is on screen, the movie as a whole is rather boring.

Old Ironsides

This was the view from our cockpit a couple of days ago.

One of the festivities over the July 4th weekend in Boston is the turnaround of the USS Constitution. She sure is looking pretty after all the restoration efforts. I hear that she is expected to sail under her own power next summer. Been a long time since I saw her under sail. Something to look forward to.

Summer

Loving boating season.
Loving gelatto. And ice-cream. And cannolis.
Loving being rocked to sleep on the water.
Loving harbor walks.
Loving warm days and cool nights.
Loving star gazing.
Loving being immersed in good reads.
Loving fresh veggies from CSA.
Loving fresh berries and fruit.
Loving fireworks season.
Loving everything about summer.

Recent Reads

1. Love and Rockets
I love graphic novels, so tried out this award winner and was not impressed. Gave up about halfway through - just could not get into it.

2. The Kitchen House
Loved immersing myself in this read. Reminded me of Gone with the Wind - a good saga. This is not an easy story - after all how can a story about a white indentured servant and slaves be easy? There were parts where I was so angry I could barely see the words on the page, but really loved the story.

3. The Professor and the Madman
My book club selection this month is a fascinating read. I learned much about the making of the OED - things I had not even thought about! Love when that happens.

4. Art at the Speed of Life
This is a fun book full of inspiration and eye candy.

Rainy days

Feels like it has been raining for ages in this part of the world and I for one am wondering whatever happened to long, lazy summer days. The forecast is for sunny days ahead and I am delighted.

Exactly Seven

The photo theme of the month is Exactly Seven and my nephews were delighted to help with the project.

Journal Page

Been exploring capturing human faces this year, and am delighted with how this turned out. I feel like I really captured the essence I wanted.

I am still drawing strangers. For some reason that seems to have much less pressure than attempting to capture the face of someone I know. Am working up the confidence to try it.

The background is an acrylic wash and the man is done with ink and watercolors.

Recent Reads

1. The Imperfectionists
I had no idea when I started reading this book that it was a group of connected short stories - so that was a surprise. While I did not love it, it was an interesting read and got me thinking about the dying world of print newspapers and how we get our news today.

2. The Clan of the Cave Bear
This series has been on my list for ages, and decided to simply dive in this summer. I loved this first book in a series of six, and can see what all the fuss is about. Such a fun, escapist read.

3. The Last Oracle
Every now and then I dive into the thriller genre - my idea of popcorn - and have read a few books by this author. A quick, if not all that great a read, with interesting things to ponder in regards to how we address nuclear waste globally and the plasticity of the human brain.

Journal Page

Had fun creating this page.

The background had splashes of yellow acrylics left over from another project. I tend to like starting on a page that already has something on it - not that blank white.

While sipping tea, munching on a cinnamon scone and flipping through a magazine (a magic combination for me), came across an image by R.Stein that I liked. Drew the outlines at the book store and then added color and texture when I got back home. Used watercolors, acrylics and a henna stencil. Fun page to create.

Bruins

A big night in Boston for Bruins fans last night.

Game 7 of the Stanley cup. The Bruins dominated the game, and won: 4-0. The last time was 1972. Fans have been waiting a long time.

There was much celebration in Bean Town after the win. Fireworks in the North End. Light displays at the Garden. Horns from boats and cars. People hooting and hollering. Choppers overhead capturing the joy of the crowds. And to top it off, the USS Constitution shot off a cannon. There is much joy in this part of the world today.

Boating

An update live from the boat this morning. The rain has abated and the sun is finally out - just in time to celebrate Babes birthday. It has been so cold and wet the past several days, I kept checking to see if my toes were rooting. On the plus side, everything is wonderfully green.

It is nice to finally have internet connectivity on the boat. With the 10 foot tides here in Boston, it has been an issue getting online with the marina network. Finally fixed.

Boston in the summer, on a boat is a fab place to be.
Happy birthday Babes. 82.

Journal Page

Am having fun playing with henna stencils that my Mom brought for me. This is one of three hand stencils. Love the intricate patterns. And more impressive is watching henna artists apply it freehand in lovely patterns. That kind of skill must come after years of practice.

The page was created used black and white acrylics. Love the halo effect.

2011 Tony Awards Opening Number

Love this.

Journal Page

As you've probably read in a recent post, I've got birds on my mind.

Had fun playing with watercolors, acrylics and stencils. I find it interesting that the pages I create very rarely look like anything I had in mind when I first start out. I just go along for the fun ride and see what happens.

Recent Reads

1. My Reading Life
Delightful book. I love works by the author and this was no exception. Some of the best conversations I've had involve hearing about the books that shaped peoples lives. So imagine my delight when one of my fave authors writes just such a book. A love letter for readers.

2. The Forgotten Garden
I love rainy summer days when I'm lost in a good book. First book I've read by the author and what a fun romp I've had. Good storytelling with a touch of mystery that spans continents and generations. I'm still lost in space and time after finishing this last night. Love books like that.

Tornado

We've been having the strangest weather season out here in the east - hot, cold, thunder storms, tornadoes. While watching the tornado activity in the western part of the the state was captivated by the Doppler radar images of the activity. Kinda like impressionist art.

Recent Reads

1. Elizabeth 1
I love the author and was delighted to have a new book to dive into and was not disappointed. I did not love, love it, but it was a fascinating read and I filled in more blanks about one of my fave historical families, the Tudors. Read this is hard cover and at 688 pages, there were times I really felt I could use a kickstand for the book - talk about sore wrists. Another reason why ebooks are so appealing.

2. Sing You Home
I like the author, but think that when she cranks out a book every year she looses something in the telling of a story. This was an OK read, but I would not recommend it - rather formulaic and the characters are not well developed.

Birds

It is hard when you live in climes that have essentially 10 weeks of summer - so much to pack in to such a short time.

We've got interesting bird activity in the yard this season.

There is a bird (mourning dove maybe) that has made it's nest under the porch. She (he?) has been patiently sitting in the nest for weeks and does not seem fazed at all by any noises we make. Cannot wait to see what happens.

Then there was the robin that built a nest on the windowsill earlier this spring. Came home from a trip to find the nest abandoned and a cracked blue egg in it.

And then just a couple of minutes ago looked out the window and saw a huge scavenger bird (vulture? buzzard? do we even have those in these parts?) swoop down to pick up some road kill. When I say huge, I mean huge - wing span at least 5 feet.

I clearly need to dig out my birding book so I can start to identify all these visitors.

Journal Page

Sometimes inspiration comes from unexpected places. PJs for example.

I've been all atwitter since Barnes & Noble announced the new nook a couple of weeks ago. A device focused on readers - no games, no web browsing, no 3G, no nothing - but a light E-Ink device for reading with no other distractions. Cannot wait to actually touch one next week. I love, love, love my current nook, but know that I'll find it a good home if I upgrade. Sometimes toys are just such a treat.

Nature

The tornadoes that touched down in our state yesterday left a path of destruction in its wake. Other than big boomers, incredible lightning, heavy rain and high winds, we are fine. But there are many people not so lucky this morning.

While reading in bed early yesterday morning, caught movement out of the corner of my eye, and heard a chipmunk squeak. A bird of prey (with such a distinctive call) had swooped down into the yard in front of me and picked up breakfast. It reminds me again that Nature is not all about beauty and peaceful glades. I wonder what plans that chipmunk had for the day.

#TRUST30

For those of you who write, you might be interested in getting a monthly prompt from The Domino Project. You can sign up here.

As usual when I write, the censor raises it's ugly head - especially if there is a chance that others might read what is written. To avoid the monster, I'm going to keep my writing private this month and then decide if there are parts I wish to share with a wider audience.

Wanna write too? We can compare notes at the end of the month.

Resist

The Sketchbook Challenge theme for May was Resist. Creating a resist with crayola crayons is immediately what came to mind. So pulled out my box of crayons - doesn't everyone have one? - and played with making marks and not thinking about the end result. A wash of watercolor. Done. Easy peasy way to play.

Little Bundle of Creativity

Love, love this.

Journal Page

I'm exploring a new journal size: 6 inches by 6 inches. Am liking the unusual page size and also liking the portability of a smaller sized journal.

Here is a page from a tea and scone visit to my local bookstore. I've found that to be a magical combination for inspiration.

Dear 16-Year Old Me: Skin Cancer Awareness

Saw this video on Ali's blog and wanted to pass along this powerful reminder to take care of your skin this summer.

Welcome summer

After what feels like weeks of cold, wet and sun-less days, it finally feels like summer in these parts. Love it.

It is sailing season, so down on the boat getting her ready. Lots to do since we did not get a jump start - what with a couple of trips and the weather. This early in the season do not have my sea legs at all. So, am enjoying the warm breezes, the sway of the ocean and being rocked to sleep at night. Bliss.

Art Journaling

In case you were not aware of the free online workshops that Strathmore has hosted this year, check out this link.

The three workshops are informative. You do not have to use their journals to play in. Such a clever way for the company to launch new products.

Recent Reads

1. Deep Fathom
I figured this would be a good read for a trip - but it turned out not to be so. Too bad as it has some good ideas. Really poor execution, and the ending - puhlease. Don't bother.

2. Summertime
This is my book club selection for the month. My second book by the author, and while I did not find it a gripping read, there is something about it that stays with me.

3. What to Do When You Worry Too Much
A kid's guide to dealing with anxiety. I have a nephew who worries, so am looking into books to help him. This one is excellent.

4. The Lost Hero
I love talking about books with my nieces, and this one is a current fave. Book One of a new series with some of the characters from the really popular Percy Jackson series. Just finished it this morning - a fun romp through Greek and Roman mythology with lots of danger mixed in.

Rainy days

Sometimes there is so much going on that I need a break from the blog-o-sphere. I've had lots of fun family catch up time. I've been flying and driving and hiking. I've been reading and watching movies. I've been napping. I've been essentially recharging my batteries. During this rainy week, I am reminded that I need to create my own sunshine, independent of the weather outside. Be well.

Loving

Loving adventures on the road.
Loving time with family.
Loving a trip that involves planes, trains and automobiles.
Loving Yosemite National Park.
Loving setting up base camp for a week.
Loving long hikes and waterfalls everywhere I look.
Loving hot showers after a steep hike.
Loving watching climbers go up El Capitan.
Loving my new fave drink - the El Capitani.
Loving having breakfast while watching the play of light in Yosemite Valley.
Loving being surrounded by all this greenery after a week in the desert.
Loving betting on the Kentucky Derby, even though I did not win a thing.
Loving competitive games of Monopoly and chess with my nieces.
Loving being home again.

On the road

I'm delighted to be off on another adventure.

Will post updates as often as I can.
Until then my pretties, be well.

Recent Reads

1. Hungers of the Heart
I had heard the author on a podcast and was interested to read his book. Lots of good material to chew on. Love people who can articulate their position without arm waving. This is a little gem of a book.

2. Yosemite: The Promise of Wildness
Read this for an upcoming trip. Essays on conservation success and failures in the park and a look at photos of Yosemite through the seasons.

3. Outstanding Mini Albums
I am a fan of mini albums and make them every now and then, but this book is a little too cutesy for my taste.

4. The Decorated Journal
How many times have I read this one? A dozen times? Probably. And it does not disappoint. Am always inspired.

5. 365: A Daily Creative Journal
Fun book with fun ideas. More like a calendar with creative daily prompts. The idea of an everyday project for an entire year is intriguing. What will it be? Hmm....

6. The Glass Castle
This book has been on my list for ages, and I finally sat down to read it and could barely put it down. The story got a hold of me at the first sentence and I simply could not break free until I was done, and could come back up for air. I would highly recommend it.

7. Street Art
I am a fan of graffiti art and this was a fun book to peruse.

Journal Page

On of the fun things about long walks outdoors is that there is always the chance of finding treasures.

On a recent walk found this cuddly, much-loved guy, and wish that he had a return address on him so I could take him back home.

NMAI

Happy Easter.

I loved every museum that I explored while in DC, but I'd have to say that one of my faves was the NMAI.

Loved the building, the exhibits, the fab Mitsitam Cafe, well everything really. Loved how there were no sharp angles. Even exhibits that would normally be displayed in grid format were not. For example, a collection of arrowheads were arranged to look like swimming schools of fish. Love that.

I'm playing in a new journal. 6x6 inches. A new size for me to explore. So far am loving it. This journal page is a sketch of beaded art on a bag I saw on display at NMAI.

Branching Out

The Sketchbook Challenge theme for this month is Branching Out - Out On A Limb.

I decided to explore creating graffiti - a street art that I love, and have no idea how to do. To get some ideas I flipped through this book. Fascinating.

This page is so not my style. There are no words, and there is something unsettling about the image. Fits the theme perfectly.

Palo in DC

We've cleaned and put away all the stuff from the DC trip. I've been going through my photos and thought I'd share some pics of Palo's first trip to DC. In spite of some mishaps, she loved it and cannot wait to return.

Recent Reads

1. The Unthinkable
Read this book a year or so ago based on a reco from a friend and found it fascinating. It was my book club selection this month, so decided to listen to the audio version on our drive to DC. Thought provoking. And lots for my book club to talk about.

2. Rogue Wave
I was in the mood for a thriller so picked this one based on reviews, and honestly do not understand the rave reviews. This book is poorly written and the characters are rather one dimensional and not flushed out. The only positive thing I have to say about the book is that I learned a bit more about the tsunami warning system in the Pacific. My recommendation: don't bother.

3. Subterranean
I was still in the mood for a thriller, so picked up this book. Have read several books by the author and this is not one of his better ones. An okay, fast read, but not a book I would recommend.

Am still in the mood for a thriller, so if you are a thriller reader, what would you recommend?

Art Journal Page

Here was the prompt for my local art journal group this month: for this meeting, you will need to find a photo of yourself as a kid - baby, toddler, grade school. Find a photo that you like, hate, whatever. Is it in color or black and white? How will you use this image in your art journal? Come with your finished page to show and tell.

Here is what I ended up with. The idea that came to me involved colored photos and the concept of time. I scanned a photo I have always loved and played with colors. I used Tim Holtz masks to create the clock images. I love seeing how other members interpreted the prompt. Such creative ideas.

The wonders of DC

Am back home from a quick trip to Washington DC. It has been several years - maybe even a decade, since I was last in DC and I forgot how I walked around in awe the last time I visited. This trip was no different.

I need time to digest all the wonders I experienced. I could spent my entire life exploring just the museums. So much inspiration.

These pages are a couple of quick sketches done in the National Gallery of Art - East Wing, where I spent some time. Special exhibits included Gauguin: Maker of Myth and Venice: Canaletto and His Rivals. Both are incredible - if you get a chance, you gotta go experience it for yourself.

Screen free days

Well my pretties, every now and then it is fun and restorative to unplug from all electronic devices - especially those with screens. I'll be doing that this week, and will be back next weekend to share my adventures. May you have a story worthy week.

Journal Page

I took my journal along while accompanying Babes to a medical procedure.

Am not comfortable drawing a person in situ - am convinced that they will catch me staring, come over and look at my drawing of them, and get insulted by my lack of skill. Did draw this guy across from me - he was busy watching TV.

Went out for a quick walk and captured the view. Buildings are safer to draw - you cannot hurt their feelings.

Recent Reads

1. Making Handmade Books
I've read dozens of books on how to bind my own journals. This book covers the usual assortment of bindings - but with lovely photos. Just makes you want to do some binding - and I did.

2. Creative is a Verb
Like other books that Patti has written, this must be read at a slow enough pace to savor the writing and give the inspiration time to marinate. Beautiful, Thought provoking. Inspirational. Loved it.

3. How to Draw Animals
Not a how-to book as much as a little reference book.

4. An Illustrated Life
I have read this book (devoured would be more apt a description) at least a dozen times. Love everything about it.

Stories

I believe in the power of stories. Stories captured. Stories shared.

Take 18 minutes out of your day and listen to Sarah Kay in this talk. I dare you not to be inspired.

Brown skin

In keeping with my last post, here are some lovely ladies with brown skin.

I had such fun drawing the hair - it was rather meditative. I considered creating a textured background, but ended up with what seems to be my style - lines of text.

Skin color

On this rainy day, I'm thinking about the fuss over skin color. I mean, we do all know by now (I hope!) that the color of our skin is due to melanin. More pigment, darker skin. Less pigment, lighter skin. An evolutionary adaptation to the climes we evolved in.

So why all the fuss over skin color? On trip to Thailand several years ago, was hard pressed to find any lotion or potion that did not lighten my skin while I slept, ate, or otherwise went about my day. What are these lightening ingredients? Who knows? Surely that is not as important as having the highly prized lighter skin no? So what if the mercury destroys your skin over time? We are all dying anyway, so we might as well look fair and lovely while we are alive no?

A distinct memory from many years ago floats up through my neurons. My sister, my cousins and I are sun bathing on a very crowded piece of sand in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Why, since we are already dark skinned are we sun bathing, you might wonder. Because the heat of the sun warms you from the inside out. Because the sun rays seem to lightly stroke your skin. Because in short, it feels good. So there we are, all spread out on our beach blankets soaking up the rays, when we hear loud shouting. In Malayalam. It is my Ammachi, on a balcony at least fifteen floors up, who happened to look down and could not believe what her eyes were telling her. Surely those could not be her grand daughters lying in the sun making themselves darker. Could it? Her yelling got no reaction. Figuring that for some reason we did not understand Malayalam, Ammachi switches to English, and yells, “Girls! Get out of the sun! You will become black!”. People on the beach start looking up to see what all the hullabaloo is about. Our response is the only sensible one given the circumstances – ignore the strange, crazy woman who seems to be yelling at someone else.

Skin color is just that. The color of our skin. Nothing more. Nothing less. All the baggage we assign to it is just that. Our baggage. I have spent much of my life hearing some well intentioned person say that I am too dark. That I should spend less time outdoors, and try to keep my skin fair. That no one wants to marry a darkie. Proved them wrong, and on this rainy day, I think about the sun and miss how it feels on my skin.

How to steal like an artist

Read this fun reminder to get outside our comfort zones and play.
Check it out here.

Words to live by

While reading this book I came across this: "Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity" - Hanlon's razor, and it stopped me in my tracks. It is like someone just told me that the earth was really flat. That is how much my mental maps just quaked. The world is a different place today.

Am playing with faces again in my journal. I was playing with dreads - something I had considered doing to my locks while in Thailand a couple of years ago. What stopped me? The heat. That simple. I added color using Portfolio water soluble oil pastels - love the creamy colors and texture of these pastels.

The future of education

If you are interested in a cool and free way to get the kids in your life hooked on learning; or even interested in a refresher course or two yourself, you gotta check out this talk.

Recent Reads

1. The Roads Taken
If you love to travel and love to read, this is a fun book of essays to while away the hours while sitting in your comfy spot planning your next trip.

2. Oryx and Crake
Decided to read this book before diving into this sequel. I am not a big sci-fi or post-apocalyptic world fan, but quite enjoyed this book. Lots to think about.